Alyra stood at the top of the grand staircase, her hand gripping the polished mahogany bannister so tightly her knuckles had turned white. The staircase swept down in an elegant curve, marble steps gleaming in the morning light that filtered through massive windows she hadn't noticed before.

The mansion was even more overwhelming in daylight or what passed for daylight through the heavy curtains. Everything screamed wealth and power. Crystal chandeliers hung from impossibly high ceilings. Artwork that probably cost more than she'd earn in a lifetime lined the walls. The floors were polished to a mirror shine.