The Silk Crypt Chapter 1

My mother ran a silk nightgown boutique.

Her nightgowns were outrageously expensive—twenty thousand for a short cut, forty thousand for a long one.

Yet female clients flocked to her place in an endless stream. They claimed my mother's silk was exceptional, that slipping into one of her gowns left your skin glowing and your complexion radiant.

My older sister, Emily, desperately wanted to wear one, but Mom strictly forbade it.

Emily refused to accept that. She planned to sneak into the back warehouse and steal one for herself.

Late that night, strange sounds drifted up from the warehouse.

Mom's little boutique sat right next to a late-night foot spa parlor. She exclusively sold women's silk nightgowns. She kept strict hours and limited stock—opening only after dark and selling just ten pieces a night.

That evening, a group of pretty young hostesses from the spa lingered outside the door, nudging each other with flushed cheeks, hesitant to step inside.

"Hey, gorgeous ladies! Why don't you come on in?"

I popped my head out from behind Mom and waved at them.

The most stunning and mature girl among them caught my eye. She flipped her glossy hair with a soft laugh and nudged the shy, blushing newcomer beside her straight toward my mother.

"Mrs. Lewis, do you have any stock left tonight? Pick out a silk piece for my little sister here, will you?"

She narrowed her eyes, leaning in close to whisper in Mom's ear.

"We want the longest, tightest fit you have!"

She paused, looking a bit self-conscious as a lovely blush crept up her cheeks.

"Also... the one I got last time? I accidentally wore it out. Mrs. Lewis, could you pick another one for me?"

Hearing this, the warm smile vanished from Mom's face.

"How many times do I have to remind you? The fabric of our silk nightgowns is the rarest in the world—priceless! Once you buy one, you have to treat it with care. How could you possibly wear it out so fast?"

"I couldn't help it! The skin-feel was just too smooth, too addictive... Come on, Mrs. Lewis, please just find me another one! I swear I'll take good care of it this time. Charge me whatever you want, please!"

"Fine."

The girl clung to Mom's arm, begging relentlessly until Mom finally gave a reluctant nod.

"Twenty thousand for a short cut, forty thousand for a long one."

Mom looked her up and down, frowning slightly at the woman's twisted, almost manic excitement.

"For you, double the price tonight. Eighty grand. And you can only wear it here in the shop. You're not taking it home."

"Deal!"

The girl tapped her high heels excitedly, her smile blooming like a wildflower.

"Eighty thousand?!"

The younger girl gasped, her eyes wide with shock.

Looking anxious, she peeked cautiously at my mother, and seeing no anger, turned to whisper frantically to the older girl.

"Amber, is this silk gown really that magical? Eighty thousand dollars?! How many sweaty, disgusting feet do we have to rub down just to scrape that together?!"

"Trust me. Mrs. Lewis's silk nightgowns are the highest quality I've ever felt in my life. Once you wear one..."

Amber's smile turned deeply sultry.

"In short, Mrs. Lewis's gowns nourish a woman like nothing else. Once you wear one, rich guys will be falling over themselves for you. Just trust your big sister."

The younger girl gave a hesitant nod.

"Mrs. Lewis, remember what I said—give her the longest, tightest cut!" Amber emphasized again.

Mom lightly traced the young girl's slender waist, sizing her up with a bizarre, knowing smirk.

"Don't worry. We have a full selection tonight. Long, short, whatever cut you want—I have it."