Outside, the private island was locked in the grip of a sudden, violent tropical storm, but right here, the heavy rain fell straight down onto the smooth, dark slate tiles of the floor. It wasn't a manicured, gentle indoor water feature; it was just the raw, cold elements crashing directly into the belly of the house, pooling around the drainage grates and splashing softly against the surrounding glass walls.

Agneya stood right at the edge of the dry concrete perimeter, looking out at the heavy sheet of water. She was wearing nothing but a pair of soft cotton shorts and an oversized, faded gray t-shirt that hung loosely over her shoulder. Her hair was down, loose and completely dry.