Prologue

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The snow softly fell on the street, covering the ground. Nothing could be heard, nothing except Macarena's slow but steady steps. The crisp air blew on her face, her hair swirling as she walked on. Her hands were shaking as she gripped her black coat tight against her aching body. Behind her, a red trail followed her all the way home.

All she wanted was to spend the night sitting next to the fireplace, a book in one hand and a cup of hot cocoa in the other. Was that much to ask? Macarena finally arrived home and as she quietly unlocked her door, she could not help but feel afraid. She closed the door behind her and lit every candle she could find. That done, a bath was what she desired. But in the back in her mind, Macarena knew that a bath would not strip her from the stench that filled her nostrils: a stench of sweat and blood. And a bath would not rid her of the disgust that lingered in her soul.

Alas she settled in the white porcelain tub, crystalline water turning scarlet red...

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