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exploding at Elektra, she was thrilled that she was able to see the city and discover Vasilis.
    “Thank you so much, Vasilis.”
    He nodded and smiled.
    “Umm, one more thing.”
    He looked up.
    “Could you tell me how to get back?” she asked sheepishly. “I’m afraid I didn’t pay close enough attention and now I’m not sure.”
    Vasilis gave her a small, exasperated sigh but she saw a tiny smile play on his lips.
    “Out the door and make two rights. Look for the abandoned building with the faded flag. That’s the one you want.”
    “Thank you!”
    She pulled her hood tighter over her head and hurried out into the street. As soon as she rounded the first corner, the street became busier, and she kept her head ducked as she hurried toward the building. She found the correct building and slipped inside when no one was looking. She found the door in the floor and carefully lowered herself down the ladder. To her relief, there was no one around, and she quickly put the cloak back where she found it.
    She hurried down the hall towards her room when she heard a voice ring out.
    “Kalliope!”
    She turned around to see Melina moving gracefully towards her.
    “Hello, Melina.”
    “I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” Melina scolded somewhat. “There’s been a delivery for you. I had it sent to your room.”
    “A delivery?” Kalliope couldn’t hide her excitement.
    Melina softened. “Yes. It pays to have prominent clients,” she smiled. “Head on over to your room and take a look.”
    Kalliope hurried off towards her room. She had no idea what to expect and when she opened the door, she saw two lovely boxes sitting on her bed. One was very large, while the other was quite small.
    There was a note stuck to the large box.
    Kalliope – Thank you for an amazing evening. I eagerly await our next encounter.
    Yours,
     Damianos
     
    Kalliope felt a small thrill at Damianos’ letter. She pulled the lid off the first box and found three large, exquisite throw pillows. She delicately touched the velvety-soft material. She couldn’t help but gasp at their soft material, and she picked the first one up and held it to her cheek. The pillows matched the quilt on her bed and helped make her room even more luxurious. She arranged the pillows on her bed and admired the finished look.
    Damianos had been very thoughtful with his gifts.
    Remembering the small box, she picked it up and carefully lifted the lid. She instantly noticed the bright sparkle coming from the box. Sighing with pleasure, she pulled out the lovely bracelet. It was solid gold, set with brilliant emeralds throughout the entire length. She carefully pulled it out of the box and admired it. She had never seen such a beautiful piece of jewelry.
    Of course, she had seen pieces just as lovely if not nicer on the other women, but up close, Kalliope had never seen something so beautiful, and she had certainly never owned anything like it.
    Not quite believing the bracelet belonged to her, she gently slid it on her wrist. It sparkled and shined, catching the light. She wanted to run out and show it to Harmena, but she didn’t want to rub her new presents in her friend’s face. Instead, she slipped the bracelet off and carefully placed it back in the box. She stowed the box with her other valuables and decided to wait until the evening to put it back on.
    Her stomach grumbled, reminding her that she had not eaten lunch. In fact, it had been hours since she had breakfast, and even then, she hadn’t eaten much due to her argument with Elektra.
    Kalliope made her way towards the dining room, her mind filled with thoughts of Damianos.
     
    * * *
     
    A number of hours later, Kalliope found herself dressing in her room. She still could not believe that she had such a spacious room, and she took her time getting ready. She stared at her reflection and thought about how much her life had changed in the past month. She was quickly shedding the skin of her old peasant