Rain had already started by the time Mila stumbled up the narrow steps to her apartment building. The streets below shimmered beneath the yellow glow of lamps, puddles scattering the light into hazy pools of gold and gray. Each drop that struck her skin only deepened the chill sinking into her bones. By the time she pushed herself under the awning, she was shivering so hard her teeth ached.

Her hands fumbled with the keys, slippery from rain, until at last the lock gave a weary click. She ...