A SORBET ORANGE glow filtered through the trees as friends and family scattered around the Harkness Manor. It was the first time I’d seen the place so busy in a long time. The last time this many people wandered about the grand estate was when Nikolai graduated high school. And while the faces were familiar, the mood was somber and respectful.

I’m barely able to glance at the house as I followed my grandfather through the open doors. I knew what I was walking into, but it was like a bad dream I couldn’t wake from. The moment I crossed the threshold, all eyes shifted to me. It was like...