The thick grey smoke rolled across the grand ballroom floor like a toxic wave, turning the glittering celebration into a terrifying battlefield of screaming guests and flying glass. Alarms wailed overhead, flashing red lights cutting through the haze as people pushed and shoved toward the heavy oak exit doors.

Clara stood frozen on the second floor balcony, her hand clutching the third bloodline ledger tightly against her chest.

Footsteps pounded rapidly up the side staircase, and two tall figures burst through the smoke filled doorway.

Lucian and Silas scanned the balcony with sharp, panicked eyes. The moment Lucian spotted Clara standing unharmed beside Jax, the fierce worry lines on his...