The walls were made of rough-hewn gray stone, and they were hung with elaborately woven draperies in many rich colors. Bearskins acted as rugs on the stone-flagged floor, and the hide of what looked like a giant wolf served as a massive hearthrug in front of a generous fireplace. A log fire crackled cheerfully in the hearth, giving the room a cosy feel.

On one side of the fire sat a comfortable-looking chair. A big ceramic tub full of steaming, scented water stood near the fire opposite the chair, with a pile of white towels on a wooden stool next to it.

On the side of the room opposite the fireplace, there was a big, comfortable-looking bed covered in furs, fat pillows, and thick, colorfully woven blankets. Near the bed, a small window showed an unfamiliar scene; green fields and woods sloped gently downhill toward a distant sea under a blue sky.

What is this place?

Looking out of the window, I could tell that we were high up, and the view outside didn’t look like anything I’d ever seen in my home state. If nothing else, I was sure it was still night outside.

Am I even in the mansion any more?

There was a click from behind me, and I turned to see that a door had appeared in the wall. I could have sworn there had been no door there before.

The door swung inward, and I caught my breath as a dazzlingly beautiful woman stepped confidently into the room.

She pushed the door closed behind her and stood, regarding me with a curious expression.

I looked her up and down, considering her as she considered me. She was completely naked save for dozens of tiny jewels that covered her nipples and pelvis. It looked like she was wearing the world’s most expensive bikini. The jewels gleamed and sparkled in the sunny little room.

As I looked closer, I realized that the jewels weren’t actually garments. It seemed more like they were parts of her body, like a natural second skin. They weren’t unpleasant to the eye at all, sparkling and drawing my gaze to the woman’s shapely breasts and her flat stomach. She seemed content to let me take my time and examine her, and I did so, taking in her wide hips and muscular legs. Her feet were also covered in gems.

Her eyes glowed a dark red as she looked me up and down, then she smiled, her perfect teeth a gleaming white.

“Jeremy,” she said warmly. “A pleasure to meet you in the flesh, as it were. I presumed you would prefer to continue the interview somewhere more comfortable.”

“Kyrine,” I said, recognizing the voice. I still felt a little pissed that she had tried to kill me, but it was hard not to admire her beautiful form.

“Would you like to continue the interview?” She motioned with her arm to the chair by the fire.