As Chloe approached the imposing iron gates of Valerius's estate, her heart thudded in her chest, drowning out the silence of the night. The heavy black bars swung open effortlessly, as if welcoming her without the need for a buzzer. He had been expecting her.

The driveway seemed longer tonight, meandering through pools of darkness cast by the towering oaks. Their bare branches clawed at the sky, whispering in the frigid night air as if warning her to turn back.

She parked her car in her ...