"What is the meaning of this?" he snarled, his gaze sweeping over the assembled figures with barely contained rage. "Elara? Seraphina? Explain yourselves, or suffer the consequences of your insolence!"

Before either of them could respond, Damien stepped forward, his striking features cast in an otherworldly glow by the flickering firelight. "Ah, Asher Blackwood," he purred, his voice like velvet caressing their senses. "How kind of you to join us on this fine evening."

Asher's hackles rose, his lips curling back in a feral snarl. "Who are you, interloper? And what business do you have summoning me like some common cur?"

Damien's lips curved into a predatory smile, his eyes...