Leviathan,

I wanted to inquire about the mental state of Miss Holbrook during your travels and subsequent dinner with her earlier in the week. Your last letter showed your evident concern for her well being and I assure you; my intentions are of a gentler nature than they have been in past endeavors. Her lack of physical response was what first drew me to her case and it has been what has continued my interest in her. I have yet to test her, nor confirm the strength of her spirit. As to whether or not she is a candidate—I am still unsure. If rumors are true and he has sent one of his own, we must remain vigilant.

I will use her as a plaything, test her ability as well as his resolve. It is my belief that our adversary would not allow his own to be harmed, neither by me nor by any other man. If he had sent her, I believe she would have either already been recalled to his side or removed from my reach, as they have been in the past. But then, if he has sent one of them, this would be different. I suppose we will ultimately have to wait and see. She is but a step. A battle that must be won as we trudge onward towards the final battle.

Take heart, my friend, this may be a turning point.