Chapter 18

• Steam curled in the air as I stepped out of the shower, wrapping myself in a towel softer than anything I had ever owned before. The luxury of my new surroundings was undeniable—every fabric, every scent, every sensation screamed of privilege. It was a far cry from the servant quarters where I had spent my days before Dorian had pulled me into his world once more.
• I wasn’t naive. I knew Dorian was playing a game, and I had no intention of being his willing piece. But if he wanted to surround me with luxury, then I would take advantage of it for as long as it lasted.
• I ran a comb through my damp hair, methodically working out the knots, before pinning it up into an elegant chignon. My mother, Demetra, had drilled proper etiquette into me from the moment I could walk. She had given me knowledge, and knowledge was power.