The sunlight poured gently through the tall windows, lighting up the quiet hallways of Barry’s mansion. It was early, and the house felt still. Lucy stepped out of her room in soft flats and a pale dress, her fingers brushing against the smooth wall as she walked.
It was her free day. No club. No guards breathing down her neck. And so far, she hadn’t seen Barry either.
Perfect.
She moved slowly, taking her time, turning corners she hadn’t dared to explore before. Everything was quiet. The scent of polish and fresh linen hung in the air. She passed a long hallway lined with paintings, old, grand, moody ones, before her eyes caught a tall double door slightly open.
Curious, she pushed it wider and stepped in.
Her breath caught.
It was a library. A real one. Not just shelves tossed arou
