The morning after the party, I sat at the kitchen island in the quiet house. Zane had left early. The silence felt heavy now.

 At ten, the doorbell rang. A courier handed me an envelope. Inside was a keycard and an address written in strong, clear handwriting: The Aerie. PH 70. 7 AM.

 No note. No explanation. Just an order from Vance.

 I didn't want to go. But I had nothing else to do today. So I went right away.

 The Aerie was the top floor of the residential tower next to the Astera Spire offices. The elevator opened right into the apartment. The place was all windows and empty...