Before Lara could knock on the door, a deep, pleasant voice echoed from within.
"The door is open. Come in."
His voice was not loud. Didn't need to be. It was the kind of voice that assumed obedience.
Lara paused for half a second, then pushed the door open and stepped inside. She closed the door softly behind her. The click sounded too final.
Ares's study was on the third floor, all dark wood and glass. The city stretched behind him, obscured by trees and greenery which defined the Aurelian Village—a living backdrop.
Sunlight slid across the floor in long gold strips. Everything smelled faintly of leather luxury and something else.
Money had a scent, and power has too.
Ares sat behind the massive desk, sleeves rolled, watch catching the light. He was not working, but waiting.
Just like Mrs. Pattos said.
She nodded once and took the chair across from him.
