Lauren stopped before the solid black wooden door with the same raised-relief symbol that sealed the invitation: the flame encircled by a ring. She took a deep breath, her fingers tightening around the small clutch she carried like a useless anchor for her nerves. It was dark outside, and the silence of the street made her heart beat even louder in her chest.

She had taken three days to open the envelope. Three days between desire and fear. And now she was there, wearing a tight wine-colored ...