The hall of the Carter estate was quiet. Heavy curtains were drawn back, and the morning light fell across the polished floor. At the center of the room sat Grandma Carter, upright and sharp, her cane resting beside her chair. 

Elias entered slowly, his face calm but guarded. He knew his grandmother had called for him early, and he doubted it was only for family talk. Whenever she summoned him this way, something was brewing.

“Sit,” Grandma Carter said. Her voice carried both authority and coldness.

Elias obeyed, lowering himself into the chair opposite her. He clasped his hands together and waited.

For a moment, there was silence. Only the...