Chapter 9

Camille’s POV

Victoria stopped in front of a heavy wooden door at the far end of the west wing. The hallway was silent, the rest of the house sunk deep into sleep, but she moved with purpose, as if the night itself belonged to her. She reached into the pocket of her silk robe and withdrew a key, sliding it smoothly into the lock.

The door opened to reveal a room that stole my breath.

It was a gym, but not like any I had ever seen. The space was expansive and meticulously designed, every detail intentional. State of the art equipment lined the walls, sleek and intimidating. One entire wall was covered in mirrors, reflecting the room back at itself endlessly. In the center stood a full-sized boxing ring, its ropes taut and pristine, like it had never been used, or perhaps like it was waiting.

Victoria stepped inside and flipped a switch. Lights bloomed overhead, bright and white, mimicking daylight so perfectly that my eyes burned for a moment. I blinked