The front door was already open.

My footsteps echoed across the marble as I stepped inside. The house smelled like antiseptic mixed with old wealth. Every light was on, throwing sharp shadows across the walls.

"His bedroom."

I turned. One of Don's staff stood by the staircase, face neutral. She pointed upward and vanished.

I took the stairs quickly. I already knew the game. Choose the empire or choose her. The same tired threat. He didn't know I had already made my choice.

The door was ...