The black-painted iron gate closes behind us, and I notice that many guards are posted near the entrance and all around the property. I don't know if that should worry me or reassure me. Thalion explains to me that the people present this evening are either celebrities, or rich or influential people, or both.

Thalion parks right outside the entrance and a valet approaches immediately. Thalion hands him the keys and hurries over to hold out his arm to me. After a second of hesitation, I take it and give him a smile. The warmth of his body is surprising, but I think I could get used to it. He...