Ashford Manor was unusually quiet.
The grandfather clock in the foyer struck eleven.
Then...
Half past.
Caelan glanced at the time for what felt like the hundredth time.
Liora was never this late.
He picked up his phone.
Just as he was about to call—
The front door opened.
A burst of laughter echoed through the hall.
Then came the unmistakable sound of someone struggling to walk in high heels.
Caelan immediately stood.
"Liora?"
She looked up from the doorway.
"There you are..."
Her words slurred slightly.
A smile spread across her face the moment she saw him.
"You waited."
He walked over quickly.
"I was starting to worry."
As she stepped closer, he caught the faint scent of alcohol.
"You've been drinking."
She nodded proudly.
"Office party."
"How much?"
She held up
