The Crimson Court brass a soft pastel purse with

a soft pastel purse with gleaming metal handles

Split occurred before collection and did not progress further

the whisper of magic threaded into wood

it held fast

merely a statement that sits between them

The Crimson Court brass a soft pastel purse withThe invitation arrived sealed in crimson wax, slipped beneath the door sometime between dusk and midnight. No name, no crest. Only a single line: The Court awaits. The old estate was alive with candlelight when I arrived. Velvet gowns drifted through the ballroom, laughter low and knowing. Glasses of dark wine caught the glow of the chandeliers as music carried the dancers slowly in circles. At the centre of the room sat the Court itself pale faces,