"Lysandra," a voice said. Hands pushed her from behind, hard, and she stumbled forward through the open door of the hallway closet, putting her hands out in front of her to shield herself from the darkness. The door slammed shut, and she felt the warmth of someone else's closeness in the small room. "Lysandra," the voice whispered.

She recognized the voice - it belonged to Nereus Cory. Her father had hired Nereus as one of his servants a few years ago. He was several years older than ...