The room in the house was off the main living area, which made it very small and dark and the only source of light was the flickering candle flame that cast long bony shadows against the walls. The smell of the dust and the acrid note of wax prevailed in the air. Lady Asher looked increasingly regal as she sat in the ornate hand-crafted armchair. Her keen eyes followed Castilla as she stepped into the room. Her eyes were hard as ice; her stare was sharper than a dagger, and it stabbed right through Castilla’s spirit.

Castilla danced with elegance and some nervousness; one could tell she was hesitant. Moving...