The Van Helsing Conjecture – Excerpt No. 299

“Would you care to join us for the evening meal?” Walter asked.

The idea was tempting, but that would simply keep her tied up in a different setting. What she wanted was a nice quiet spot to speak with Julia and freshen up. I’d be willing to bet they will post sentries nearby, but beggars can’t be choosers.

“We would love to,” Clara began and immediately felt the eyes of the werewolf burning a hole through the back of her skull. “It’s been a long trip, and I could stand to freshen up.”

It was fortunate that Adam did not appear to view this as a slight. Clara made sure to maintain an emotional mask that would make Evelyn envious. Her smile appeared to be genuine, and those steel grey eyes shined as though excited.

a lavish, high-contrast cinematic photograph of two flappers, one with silky blonde hair and the other with rich, chestnut-brown locks, both adorned in opulent, beaded, drop-waist gowns, standing in a decadent, art-deco bathroom with sleek, geometric lines and ornate, metallic accents, as they apply makeup and primp in front of a large, ornate mirror with a gilded frame, surrounded by luxurious, velvet drapes and plush, marble countertops, with soft, warm lighting casting a golden glow on their flawless, porcelain-like complexions, accentuating their rosy lips, dark eyelashes, and piercing, expressive eyes, amidst a backdrop of rich, jewel-toned hues and subtle, geometric patterns.

Disclaimer: This novel is an work in progress and readers may encounter grammatical errors and inconsistencies. Please view this a draft and not a published work.