Serafina and the Black Cloak

The figure approaching is a man with a lantern—but it turns out to be Pa, searching for Serafina. She greets him tearfully. He is relieved and grateful that she did not disappear like the other children. He is proud that she knew to follow the river toward Biltmore. Pa and Serafina make their way back. Serafina notices the majestic, fairy-tale-like appearance of the mansion as they approach. Their arrival on the grounds coincides with the return of a group of riders out searching for Nolan. Nolan’s father as well as Mr. Rostonov eagerly await news, but there is none; no one found the children. Pa tells Serafina to rest—“No hunting tonight. I mean it. Just hunker down and keep yourself safe” (159)—and leaves to try to fix the dynamo. The upper floors have no lights or electricity without it.

Serafina cleans the mud and blood from herself, then decides only Braeden will believe her day’s adventures. She sneaks through the dark corridors to Braeden’s bedroom, telling herself she will not stay if her presence is clearly uncomfortable. Gidean growls at her but shushes when she identifies herself. Serafina turns the bolt on the door, which locks only from the inside.