The soft click of the door latch felt unnaturally loud in the quiet hallway of the inn.
Seraphina pushed the door open with the slow, deliberate care of a cat stalking its prey, a wicked grin playing on her lips.
Behind her, Maria hesitated, clutching the front of her silk robe with a nervous energy that was a stark contrast to Seraphina's bold confidence.
"Are you sure about this?" Maria whispered, her voice barely audible. "He seemed so tired earlier."
"All the more reason to help him relax," Seraphina whispered back, not taking her eyes off the darkened room ahead.
She shed her own robe, letting it fall in a heap by the door.
She stood revealed in the sliver of moonlight from the window, wearing a tantalizing set of black lace lingerie that seemed woven from shadows and secrets.
"A proper welcome requires the proper attire, after all."
Maria sighed, a puff of warm air, before letting her own robe fall.
