Ray lay comfortably across his bed, staring at the ceiling while the distant sounds of the Black Orchid gradually faded into silence.
It was already well past midnight, and although the establishment remained open for certain private clients, most of the evening's activities had come to an end.
A few carriages could still be heard departing from the courtyard, their wheels rattling against the stone pavement before disappearing into the streets beyond the gates.
Occasionally, footsteps passed through the corridor outside his room, accompanied by the quiet voices of attendants finishing their duties.
Ray had no particular reason to remain awake, but something had been occupying his thoughts since his conversation with Lady Seris earlier that morning.
His life had changed considerably over the past few weeks.
