Chapter 9 Stolen Secrets

• The mansion was silent past midnight.
• Elara moved like a shadow down the dimly lit hallway, barefoot and dressed in dark clothing. Her heart beat steadily as she approached her father’s private office. The door was locked, but she had watched the staff long enough to know where the spare key was hidden.
• She slipped inside, closing the door softly behind her. Moonlight filtered through the large windows, casting long shadows across the heavy wooden desk and bookshelves. Elara moved quickly, searching drawers and files with practiced precision.