The room was dark, but the slow-burning remains of a fire offered some light. Inthe glow of this small light, theCount took in the darkened pink room: a fireplace with stuffed chairs before it, the dollhouse in one corner, a rocking horse, easels; he saw four beds, three of them tightly made. In the furthest bed, he saw a small lump and a swatch of blond hair peeking out from under the covers.

The Count stood before the fireplace and spoke to the sleeping child in a soft, sweet voice,“Here I am, your old Uncle Raven, I have come for my blessing, little one.” He smiled, showing his small, sharp teeth, “Do you wish to join your sisters in flight, or earth?” he mused in a softer voice, his tone still gentle and light.

Then in two sudden steps he reached the bed, and his voice changed——became cold and hard. “Let’s find out, come and wake up!” He reached out a bony hand to shake the child awake, and then when she did not stir, he threw back the blankets, revealing only an old doll, her blank glass eyes staring, and her red frozen lips smiling benignly up at him.