Speak of the Devil, and the Killer, a man in the prime of his life, immediately materialized in the hall with a lovely companion. The guests were looking forward to bloody confessions, they had no idea what he would end up shooting at.
While I led the party, as usual, standing with my back to the Giant Mirror, the Guardian was watching me from behind the counter of the sleeping cafe, and the Cat wandered among the guests, sniffing something.
Suddenly, the Witch, the author of «The Devil’s Trill», introduced by me at the first party there, appeared in the hall.
The Guardian gave her a displeased look, which she immediately noticed, being frozen at the entrance. However, as soon as I announced the break for an autograph and photo session with the Killer, the Witch sailed up to me.
«May I take a picture of you?» she asked with a mysterious smile.
«Of me?!» I raised my eyebrows in surprise. «Why? A professional photographer took a billion pictures of everybody, including me, during your own party here!»
«Please, Alice, just one frame!» exclaimed the Witch and added in a whisper, «Hurry!»
Her mesmerizing voice and magical look frightened me no less than «Hurry!» and the Guardian’s bell of the previous night. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the Guardian hurrying towards us and Roman entering the hall.
«Hurry up!» repeated the Witch, looking around nervously.
I remained standing with my back to the Giant Mirror when the Witch took a picture of me, but the Guardian immediately grabbed her hand.
«Milady?» he said sternly. «Taking pictures of portals is strictly prohibited!»
The Witch mysteriously looked into the Guardian’s eyes, while there was some movement on her phone, something was appearing, flickering and disappearing. When that stopped, she silently handed the phone to the Guardian. He scanned the file folder, but apparently found nothing criminal. The Witch headed for the exit. The Guardian followed her, and I hurried to my table…
«How are you?» Roman asked calmly, and I wanted so much to bury myself in him, so that he would hug me and… express compassion or protect?.. no, there was no such word there and then…
«This Mansion is the most mysterious place in our city I have ever been to,» I breathed out and added mentally,