Amelia couldn't help but feel something building in unease in her. The mansion was different now. Neither the way Alexander stalked down the corridors with that authoritative presence, nor the way his men in black stood taller and more watchful. Something else was different. Something was altering, and she felt its pressure pressing against her skin even when there wasn't anyone near.

She awoke hours that night, the silk coverings heavy over her legs like they would not release her. The house ...