The dining room lay shrouded in a heavy, amber dimness, illuminated only by the flickering tongues of a dozen beeswax candles. Their scent, earthy and sweet, mingled with the oppressive aroma of deep maroon frosting. On the mahogany table sat a heart-shaped cake, its surface a rich, dark crimson that looked almost like velvet. A single, silver knife rested beside it, and a bowl of thick, glossy chocolate ganache sat waiting, its surface mirroring the dancing candle flames.