Eliora hadn't gone far when she felt a shift in the air, then a distinct scent.
It was strong, mildly intoxicating, the kind of scent that lingered long after its owner had passed.
Eliora slowed without meaning to. Then she saw her, a beast woman.
She was stunning, there was no other word for it. Even at such a late hour, she looked as though she had stepped straight out of a royal painting.
Her red dress clung to her body, it was richly deep and luxurious, the fabric caught the light with every step she took. Her hair fell perfectly down her back, there was not a single strand out of place. Her makeup was flawless and bold, like it was meant to draw attention and keep it.
She didn't look like someone wandering the palace. She looked like someone who belonged to it.
The woman stopped directly in front of Eliora, blocking her path.
"Well, well, well," she drawled, her lips curling. "You must be the human."
The word human slid off her tongue with subtle disdain.
