A maid opened the front doors before Vivienne could knock. Without saying a word, she took Vivienne's suitcase and disappeared farther into the house.

Vivienne stepped inside slowly. The foyer was massive, dimly lit by a flickering chandelier overhead. Her footsteps echoed against the marble floors while thunder rumbled faintly outside. Everything smelled like cedarwood, dust, and old books.

She glanced up at the endless staircase winding toward the second floor and tightened her grip on the sleeves of her coat. The house was too quiet.