Chloe sat curled on the velvet sofa of the city room, her legs tucked under her as she traced the rim of her teacup absently. The mansion felt too quiet tonight, too heavy with the weight of her thoughts. Valerius leaned casually against the fireplace, his dark eyes studying her as if he already knew what was on her mind.

Finally, she broke the silence.

"I know the last three days are going to be... very critical," she said softly, her voice almost trembling. "In this whole turning process. ...