The large, private space behind my throne welcomed me into its cool dimness. The lights overhead brightened when I called on the power of Chaos to shed the black robe trimmed in misty silver threads with a life of their own. The stars from my neckline rose and filled in the ceiling, the storm sullenly circling among them as if disappointed I'd retreated from Chaos's full persona in favor of being Eve again.

I dropped onto the dark purple sofa I'd had installed. The plush ...