The next morning, the sun was bright, but the mansion felt colder than ever. I was still curled under the silk sheets when three sharp, heavy thuds echoed through the room. The sound of knuckles hitting solid oak made my heart jump into my throat.
"Breakfast is served, Miss Uriel. Lord Xercer is waiting," a deep voice called from the other side of the wood. I didn't answer, but the door handle turned. The guard stepped inside, his face like stone, his black suit perfectly pressed. He didn't look at me; he simply stood by the door and gestured toward the hallway. I got up, my legs feeling heavy, and followed his silent shadow down the grand stairs to a dining room that was far too big for just two people.
The table was covered in food. There were platters of well-fried chicken, golden and
