"Welcome to the Hôtel de la Séraphine," he said in a cold, detached voice. "Don't be fooled by the name. It's not a hotel, and even less a place for angels." He paused, his piercing gaze locking onto Emily. "You agreed to be in my service for a full month. It begins now."

She stood barefoot on the gravel at the entrance, the sharp stones biting into the sensitive skin of her feet. The mansion was enormous—like nothing she had ever seen, not even in movies. Armed men moved about, their presence adding a palpable sense of threat. None of them dared glance in their direction, strictly obeying orders.