The dining room buzzed softly with laughter and the occasional clink of silverware. Plates were nearly cleared, and warmth had finally settled between the four. Aria leaned slightly into Lucien, her hand loosely entwined with his under the table, while Damon whispered something into Talia’s ear that made her giggle.

Just as Lucien opened his mouth to offer a toast—a gesture of gratitude for second chances—the heavy oak doors of the dining hall were flung open with a loud *bang*.

The atmosphere shattered.

All heads turned sharply toward the intrusion. The laughter died instantly.

There, standing tall and dressed in black, with a crimson sash across his chest and the...