Vencian reached the mansion before nightfall. He entered through the gates and greeted the head maid. The servants saw him at dinner as planned. Afterward he retired to his room, creating the impression that he would remain there for the night.
He prepared his cover carefully. The lamp continued burning while his coat hung across the chair. A book lay open on the desk. He wedged a thin strip of metal into the door's latch so he could work it loose upon his return.
The setup was simple but effective. He could use this method whenever he needed to slip out undetected.
When the halls grew quiet, he left through a service passage. The route led him past where Lucian's face would normally be displayed. He moved with practiced silence through the corridors.
