Chapter 1: Introduction
The sun had barely risen when Berenice descended the winding staircase in search of her husband. She found him at the kitchen table, engrossed in the morning paper. His eyes widened as he caught sight of her, the newspaper trembling slightly in his hands.
"Good morning," she said, sauntering towards him. "I hope you slept well."
"Yes," he murmured, staring at her intently. "You looked so peaceful."
She smiled, reaching out to caress his cheek.