A cold, knowing smile spread over Nyaira’s face and glittered in her scornful eyes as Illyad paused. “If that’s what helps you sleep better at night, [i]pitoyable sorcier.[/i]”
	She smirked as Illyad finished, before her expression turned into a pout. “But this is such a [i]lovely[/i] home. It’ll be such a [i]disappointment[/i] to not come back here.” Her expression changed as quickly as ever, returning to a mocking calmness, and her tone once more taking on a bored air. “Consider your advisement taken into account.”
	Nyaira strode nonchalantly toward the front door, Victoria’s gaze following her. The woman opened the door, then paused and looked toward Alex.
	“Until we meet again, Alex, dear.” Her attention shifted to Victoria, who inhaled, but refused to look away as her instincts demanded. “[i]Victoria.[/i]”
	The way the woman said her name sent a shudder down Victoria’s spine. But then, Nyaira was gone, hurrying out the door and down the hall beyond.
	Victoria went to the nearest chair and sank into it with a groan, placing her head in her hands. “I-I’d ask if this day could get any worse,” she muttered into her palms, “but then karma would probably find a way to make it a ‘yes.’”