He headed downstairs, hands in his pockets, his sword gleaming in the darkness, lighting the way for him.

Just at the base of the stairs, he felt a hand touch him on the shoulder and turned to see Briony dressed in a knee-length red night gown that covered her modestly but didn’t detract from her allure.

“You made it,” she said in a low tone, and he smiled at her.

“Come,” she said to him, taking him to a room where she kept her favourite collection of antiques, instruments and books. 

There was a couch near the shelves, along with a wooden table and a finely crafted wooden chair.

“The...