I bypassed the main terrace, keeping to the deep shadows of the stone pillars.
The Valerius estate was crawling with panic, lanterns bobbing in the distance like frantic fireflies, but I moved with the silent, predatory grace of someone who owned the dark.
I slipped through a side servant's entrance and climbed the back staircase, my bare feet making no sound on the cold stone.
By the time I reached my chambers, the adrenaline was beginning to fade, replaced by a delicious, heavy lethargy.
I pushed the door open, the room bathed in the silver-blue glow of the moon.
Now that I was in my sanctuary, I could finally breathe.
I was already peeling the ruined midnight silk from my body—shredded, stained, and smelling of the night air and sex—when a tiny flickering light appeared at the dressing room door.
Mina.
She stood there, a small candle trembling in her hand, her eyes wide and red-rimmed from crying.
Why has this little mouse been crying, hm?
