The syndicate
"Sigh, for gods' sake. Couldn't he light the fireplace?" said Karena as she removed the hood of her long gray fur cloak. Underneath the cloak, she was wearing a simple dark emerald riding dress, gray pants, and a pair of black boots and gloves. "It's colder here than it is outside."
She crouched in front of the fireplace and whispered a few words causing a crimson fire to flare up, lighting the room. The flames, burning without the need for wood or coal, soon began to warm the house.
At that moment, a repulsive smell of decay invaded the room, causing Karena to feel suffocated and begin to cough. She turned and looked for the source of the unpleasant stench. The trapdoor leading to the basement had just opened and Marcus, who was dressed in a simple black robe, entered the room. He tapped the trapdoor lightly with his foot, causing it to close, and walked toward the woman.