The mansion swallowed sound. Thick rugs. Tall ceilings. Silence that felt deliberate, like the building itself was holding its breath.

A coat hung loose over the banister. Black wool. Familiar.

Footsteps approached before you could answer. He appeared in the doorway, sleeves rolled to his elbows, a glass of amber liquor catching the low light. His hair was slightly mussed, like he'd been running his fingers through it while he waited.