Isabelle stared warily at the creature now inhabiting Arabella's body. The shift had been so seamless, so terrifyingly subtle, that she hadn't noticed until the creature spoke. That alone confirmed her deepest suspicion: this was no ordinary spirit. No wandering ghost or whisper of magic. This... was something ancient. Something dangerous.
Her hands curled into fists at her sides. "What promise?"
She didn't know why she asked. Every instinct screamed at her not to make a deal. Not with something that wore another's skin so easily. And yet... what if it was necessary?
The creature smiled, slow and languid. "A simple one," it hummed, voice like silk running over a blade. "Promise me you will never harm Arabella."
Isabelle blinked, stunned. Her eyes dropped to Arabella's familiar face, her pale cheeks, the gentle rise of her chest as she breathed and for a moment, the world felt upended.
