CHAPTER SEVENTY ONE – RITUAL PERFORMANCES

As Cassie neared the estate, she realized she was approaching the wall from a different angle. A tall wrought-iron fence lined the rear boundary she didn't recognize. Intending to simply reenter from wherever was closest, she followed the barrier around a corner-- Only to come to an abrupt stop, her breath catching in her throat. There, on the other side of the fenced grove, was what appeared to be some sort of clandestine gathering taking place on the mansion grounds. Despite the late hour, at least a dozen figures dressed in dark cloaks and hoods were arranged in a large circle clearing, the grass beaten down beneath their feet. Several iron braziers burned in their midst, casting flickering amber light over the proceedings. Cassie shrank back against the fence's cast-iron bars, straining to make out what was happening. The hooded figures appeared to be engaged in some sort of ritualistic ceremony, one of them - a wizened ancient whose deeply cowled face was obscured in shadow - s