The Count said I was due to leave in the morning. I didn’t believe him. I asked: Why not tonight? I’d gladly walk. I didn’t care if there were any feelings in him left to hurt. I wanted out.
He took me up on my suggestion and opened the giant castle doors to let me outside. When he did, the howling grew louder – louder than every before, as if on cue. He kept slowly opening those doors and I just pictured the wolves who had devoured that poor woman previously leaping inside the castle with their red maws and giving me the same treatment.
Shut the door! I told him … and he did, triumphantly.
I need only last the night!
I don’t think I will.
