Nic held a chair out for Maria and helped her sit, then crossed to the other side to do the same for Cassandra. It was a strangely formal gesture that also seemed fitting for the tall, lean man wearing an evening suit in a formal dining room. He took his own seat and gestured to someone in the back of the room. Seconds later a bowl of steaming soup was placed in front of Maria.

The moment the aroma hit her, Maria's mouth started watering and everyone else in the room faded. She picked ...