Arianne stood before her mirror, admiring the silk gown that flowed around her curves, the deep purple fabric contrasting with her olive skin. The jeweled girdle around her waist glittered, catching the light as she adjusted it carefully.

The faint sound of footsteps echoed in the corridor outside, and her dark eyes flickered toward the door. She knew it was him before he entered—Andrey Dalt, her childhood friend and ever-loyal confidant.

As the door creaked open, Arianne did not turn, keeping her gaze fixed on the mirror. "You took your time," she said with a teasing smile in her voice, the warmth of her words tempered by the sharpness of her tone. "Have you brought news, or is this a social call?" She ran a finger along the edge of her copper bracelet, the snake's eyes gleaming in the candlelight.