And so it begins...

Penance, curses, and power.

It really all boiled down to those three things.

His life, his journey, and this quest. So close now, he thought. So close to the end. Do this one thing. Make it happen no matter the cost and he would be free. But freedom was still far beyond his reach, at least for now.

He watched her from beyond the French doors of the old Charleston mansion. Watched her dancing with her friends.

Yes. He knew who she was. Knew what she was capable of.

He had not however, been prepared for her beauty, or the spark of life shining in her amber eyes. She was tall, and lean with hair the color of dark sable. She had full, lush lips, that gave a doomed man thoughts he should disregard. This was the woman who held the key to his salvation.

Gabrielle Claremont.


Geythin had been right, as usual. She was here, dressed as the Mistress of Midnight, wearing a dark velvet gown that clung to her curves and made his hands itch.

In response, he shoved his hands into the pockets of his black tailored slacks. He did not need the temptation. But he did need to get closer, to observe unnoticed. Automatically he reached for the swirled brass handle of the door.

Unlocked, he opened the door and crossed the threshold.