KATHERINE

I lifted my head, looking around with curiosity. The stone path was barely visible under the thick blanket of dead leaves covering the ground.

The old mansion looked more like a decrepit house, with the tall statues on the rooftops stained black and covered in bird droppings.

I imagined that after my dear father died, Rossella never set foot here again.

"Elliot, you can put me down now," I asked in a soft voice.

My fingers itched to stroke the furry, comical ear twitching in front of my eyes, but I still had some reservations about this incredible transformation.

With a low growl, he moved a little farther into the overgrown front garden, the flower beds choked with wild plants that reached my waist, mosquitoes buzzing in the thick undergrowth.

The croaking of frogs echoed from the stagnant green water of a nearby fountain.

Elliot crouched down, and I stretched my feet until they touched the steps of the main staircase.

"Shhh," I hushed, limping slightly as my wounds finally