Chapter 37: Whispers in the Library

The days following the chaos at the Blackwood ball were a blur of activity. Friesland, haunted by the chilling image of the ritual and the fear in Emily's eyes, worked tirelessly with his team. Sarah, a crucial witness, received protection from the authorities, while Miller, ever the resourceful investigator, scoured the city's underbelly for any rumors or leads on Emily's whereabouts. Elizabeth, oblivious to the danger that lurked just beneath the surface of her seemingly tranquil life, remained at her cottage. Daily visits from Friesland, now filled with a heavy, unvoiced burden, were her only connection to the outside world. He couldn't break his promise to keep her safe, but the weight of his secret knowledge gnawed at him. One afternoon, while at the station reviewing case files, a knock on the door startled Friesland from his thoughts. It was Miller, his face etched with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. "Sir," he began, his voice barely above a whisper, "I think I mig