Empire of Seduction

cigarette smoke curling lazily towards the ornate ceiling. The air was t

t you, my dear?" Madame Celes

Madame Celeste's. "I never forget," she replied, her voi

ght, you won't be dealing with fools or pawns. The emperor's court

racing. She could feel the weight of Madame Ce

her voice steady, but her

ing softly against the floor. She placed a hand on Alex

breath cold against Alexa's ear. "It's about seizing power, taking what

burning themselves int

on mixed with fear. The grand staircase of the Stable District stretched

ter of the crowd weaving together like a tapestry. Alexa pulled her cloak tighter a

the alley - a boy with sharp features and dirt-smudged skin. He gr

exa exclaimed, tryi

arely audible over the noise of the street. "Yo

g to hide her surprise. "What'

he whispered urgently. "They'll turn on you

ished into the crowd, leaving her stari

ith possibilities. What had just happ

t a shiver run down her spine. Tonight was going to