Persephone knocked on the stairwell gate of the 20th floor with her knuckles, because she had never once in her life been able to knock politely.
The gate was a wall of dark steel. After a moment, bolts turned, one, two, three, and it swung inward. Vanya stood behind it in a plain gray jacket with her blonde hair tied back, looking like someone who had been awake for several hours and had enjoyed every one of them.
"You're early."
"I'm bored." Persephone held up a basket. "Rolls. Peace offering."
Vanya raised an eyebrow, took the basket, and stepped aside. "Come in. Don't touch the map."
"I would never."
"You would."
