Irena Kirk adjusted the elaborate rose crown, its thorns pressing lightly against her scalp—a fitting discomfort for this strange occasion. He’d insisted on a celebration of sorts; a blending of his…interests with hers. The spectral guests were his doing, she suspected, playful spirits summoned to witness their unconventional courtship. She hadn't expected pumpkins amongst the phantoms, but then again, nothing about Lord Valerius was predictable. A black heart drifted closer, pulsing faintly. Irena met its gaze, a small smile playing on her lips; perhaps this peculiar Valentine’s gathering wouldn’t be so dreadful after all