*On Hiatus* A Midnight Dance

Volunteer

The house was eerily silent as we returned to our rooms. Charles helped Marie get Mother back to her room. Marco went to check on Jonna and Elio. Vivian and Elaine helped the twins back to their rooms. Despite the hour, I wouldn't be able to go back to sleep. A chill gripped me and I couldn't stop shaking. Were we safe?

As the thought gripped me, I walked into the living room. Thick curtains covered the windows. The siren was off. We were safe - at least for now. I needed to make sure.

Cautiously, I went to the curtain and opened it about an inch or so. The streets were empty. Gray clouds made the sky look dreary. Down the street, soldiers rushed to each house knocking on the door. Each house opened its door, and talked to the soldier, before retreating inside. As a soldier rushed to our house, I left the window and waited by the door. Soon after I heard a knock. I opened the door just a crack.

"Lord Stark," the soldier immediately said. "I'm Sir Walter under the command of the Nightingale order."

I opened the door wider. The young boy looked at me with wide eyes. He bowed.

"Forgive the mistake, my lady. I - I didn't see."

"It's fine."

"I'm here to check up on the family. Orders, you see."

"We're checking on the aides," I told him, "but everyone else is in good health. Shaken."

"If there's something amiss, please send a message to the watch camp. We'll deploy help as needed."

Feeling a chill, I hugged myself. "A watch camp?"

"Yes, Captain Nightingale has set up a camp by the western gate. It's a precaution in case of more sightings."

"Is there enough staff at the camp?"3

The boy hesitated. "More is always better - uh, I mean, your safety is guaranteed."

"Thank you for your time."

Smiling, I closed the door.

"Who was that?" Charles asked.

I turned and saw him walking down the stairs.

"A soldier checking on us. They're going around to everyone." I cleared my throat. "How's Mother? Did she go back to sleep?"

"Marie stayed with her. It won't be long until Mother sleeps." He yawned.

"I'll check on Elio and the others," I told him. "Get some rest."

He gave me a look. "Ava, I can stay awake."

"Elaine might not be able to sleep," I reminded him. "I'm sure Vivian will stay with the twins."

"You're right," he said. "Tell me if anything comes up."

As he headed back upstairs, I went to find the help. I gave everyone the day off. However, Marco insisted on making food later. He noticed some rations that needed to be used. Jonna and Elio agreed to help. Luckily, other than a scare, everyone was alright.

When everyone settled down, I returned to my room. Sleep was the last thing on my mind. In the darkness, I stripped and dressed in a pair of trousers and a blouse. I combed my hair into a braid and wrapped it around my head. After pinning the braid in place, I pulled my boots on. If I wanted information, I needed to get it from the source.

I washed my face and dabbled in some makeup to hide the dark circles and the paleness of my skin. To stay anonymous, I grabbed a cloak and pulled the hood over my head. Charles wouldn't appreciate rumors floating around. Tip-toeing down the stairs, I snuck out of the house.