Chapter 1 – The Proposal

Elise Laurent clutched her thesis proposal to her chest as she stood outside Dr. Gabriel Valcour's office door.

The worn wood paneled hallway smelled of aged paper and beeswax polish, and the ornate wrought iron sconces cast flickering shadows across the floor. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves.

Gabriel Valcour. The name sent a thrill down her spine every time she thought of him. He was a legend at the university, known for his brilliant mind, ...