Prologue

She was bored.

That was truly all there was to it. She was bored anything nothing could satisfy her. She wanted for not for all she could want was within her grasp.

The sound of children outside startled her. Glancing out her window, she saw them race past, laughing and giggling as they played their game.

Their game . . . A wicked smile spread across the woman's face. Yes. She would play a game. An intricate game, one that would entertain her for years to come-at last, she would be able to sate her hunger. There was only one thing left to do: pick the game pieces.