The basement was colder than you remembered. The smell of damp wood and dust clung to the air, every corner filled with shadows that seemed older than the house itself. Tyler sat against the wall, a chain locked around his wrist and bolted into the stone, his expression a mix of exhaustion and fury.

Françoise had insisted on the chain. She said it was the only way to keep him safe, to keep everyone safe. Her voice had been steady, but you caught the flicker of pain in her eyes as she wrapped the iron links around him, whispering under her breath like she was binding a ghost.

Now she was gone, off with Isaac to handle what she called “business.” That left you alone with Tyler.

“You and mom go back, don’t you?” he said suddenly, his voice hoarse, but sharp enough to cut through the silence. “Nevermore days. She told me. Said you were the only one she trusted enough to bring here. The only one who would help keep me in line.”