"Take me to the villa you had prepared. I don't think I want to go home tonight. Also, get me the most expensive suit in the world. I would like to attend the ball. Joe had invited Seraphina too." Justin's face went pale. "But sir, you are supposed to be the guest."Kael twitched again; the leather chair made a squawking sound. "And what did I tell you about trying to hide my identity? Have you been listening, young man?" "What do we do about tonight's party?" Justin finally asked. "You are going to get me a man who will play that part. Make sure he is dressed and pay him handsomely for it. He is going to look the part, and of course I want you to do something for me." Kael said "What?" Justin turned to meet his gaze. "Spread the rumor throughout the council that the god hand is coming to the gala event." Justin froze. "Sir? He might be killed or possibly worse." "You think I don't know what?" Kael frowned. "I would like to know my enemy, and maybe throwing a little rat into th

The silence Arthur left behind didn’t feel normal.It wasn’t just quiet—it was heavy.Like the walls themselves had heard something they weren’t supposed to.Seraphina was still smiling… but it no longer reached her eyes."...Kael?" she muttered again, almost to herself, as if repeating it would suddenly make it make sense.Then she scoffed loudly, turning away. “This is ridiculous.”Vivian didn’t respond immediately. That alone was enough to shift the tension.Because Vivian Lochart always had something to say.Always.But now… her gaze was fixed on the file Arthur had dropped.Marcus noticed it first."Mother?" he called, narrowing his eyes. “You’re not actually buying into this nonsense, are you?”Vivian slowly walked forward. She picked up the file.And for a brief second—just a second—her fingers hesitated.Then she opened it.Leo leaned over her shoulder casually. “Let’s see what kind of fairy tale the old man—”His words stopped mid-sentence. His expression changed.Marcus frow

Both men looked back and were stunned. "What are you doing, Peter?" she said, slowly walking towards them. Kael paused. He didn't know the woman, but she was pretending to know him, and not only that, she was prettier and well-dressed. By now, Kael knew all the families who wronged him by sigils and even crests. His eyes landed on her breast, and he could see the sigil she carried.A silver crest shaped like a coiled serpent wrapped around a crown."Stand down!" she barked at the man holding the baton. "Sure thing, Miss Veronica. I didn't know he was with you," he said with a bow.His gaze landed back on Kael, and he immediately bowed. "I am sorry. I failed to recognize you. Kael's gaze furrowed slightly. Recognize me? No one knew who he was. Not even the Locharts. So whoever this woman was must be mistaken. "You should have shown him the card. Did you not have that, Peter?" She asked again. Kael coughed before he simply adjusted his cuffs. "I am sorry, Miss, but I think y

The hall didn’t breathe. It was calm with lots of them staring. Kael’s body lay still on the table, blood slowly spreading beneath him, dripping off the edge in quiet, rhythmic drops.No one spoke.Not even Seraphina.Her fingers trembled at her sides, her lips parted slightly as if she wanted to say something—but nothing came out.It was too late. There was nothing she or even anyone could do. The stage was lit with just one man's body lying before them all. Leo swallowed hard. “He’s… dead.”Marcus didn’t respond. His eyes were locked on Kael’s chest.It wasn’t moving, not even a little.A soft chuckle broke the silence.Alaric.He stepped forward slowly, his gloved hand brushing lightly against the edge of the table as though he were admiring a piece of art.“Such a brave young man…” he murmured. “Or perhaps… just foolish.”Seraphina snapped. “You said you could bring him back!” she shouted, her voice cracking. “Do it!”Joe stared back at her, wondering why she was this feisty wh