The heavy, silver-weighted atmosphere of the mansion felt different, thicker and more suffocating than usual. Usually, Alfred's presence was a grounding force—the silent, rhythmic heartbeat of the estate that ensured every shadow remained in its place and every piece of furniture felt like part of a home. But the elderly butler was a ghost.
He had seemingly vanished from the mansion without leaving so much as a footprint behind. His absence left Alina alone in the sprawling, high-tech kitchen with a man who looked far too comfortable, and far too dangerous, holding a sharpened chef's knife.
