Deric’s POV

The invitation came unexpectedly, an elegant card sealed with a deep crimson wax stamp, embossed with a regal crest I recognized immediately. Lord Mathias Vale. He’d been my father’s closest confidant once, but after my father’s fall from grace, Mathias had disappeared on us, or so I thought. Why now? Why summon me?

“Join me at my estate this Friday evening,” the card said, “for an exclusive gathering. There’s much to discuss.”

I stared at it for a long time, fingers curling around the edges, weighing the risks. The thought of sitting across from Mathias made my gut twist, not just because of his influence but because I’d...