I assumed Sebastian intended to spend the night, but judging from the amount of luggage he possessed, I wasn’t sure just how many nights he planned on staying.

I wasn’t sure how I felt about this stranger’s visit—or move—into the Mansion. Alexander’s parents left

Dullsville and we were free to resume our independence. Now we were accepting boarders?

But more important, who was this person and why was he here?

“I better help him,” my boyfriend said, and headed for the Mustang.

From my vantage point on the crumbling steps, I wasn’t privy to their conversation. But by their gestures, I could tell the two chatted like reuniting brothers. After a few minutes, they carried Sebastian’s bags back toward me. I trailed the ghostly pair back into the Mansion, up the stairs, and into one of the vacant rooms.

The room was stark and cold. A velvet eggplant-hued curtain covered a single window. There wasn’t so much as a bed or air mattress. The only decoration present was a tiny vase with dead lavender flowers I’d placed on a small table a few days before.

“Appears you still like living in the past,” he said to Alexander. “Where’s the TV, man?”

“Down the hall,” Alexander said, pointing to the far end of the house.

Alexander retrieved a candelabra sitting on a table in the hallway. He lit a match and illuminated the room.

Sebastian dumped his oversized bags on the floor. They landed with a thud, making me suspicious about the weight of his clothes. He walked around the room with the candelabra.

“Lavender?” Sebastian asked as the candles spread light on the vase.

“It’s just Raven’s touch,” Alexander said.

“I can put it in another room if it bothers you,” I offered.

Sebastian gazed down at me. His eyes glistened in the candlelight. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”