The fireworks lit the night sky in brilliant bursts of red, gold, and blue. Music and laughter from the masquerade floated across the villa, but Winona Montgomery couldn't hear any of it. Her heart thumped violently in her chest as she held Jackson close, both of them standing near the grand staircase.

"Mommy, look! It’s so bright!" Jackson’s small hand pointed toward the sky.

She forced a smile. "It’s beautiful, baby. Isn’t it?"

He nodded, eyes wide, completely absorbed. Behind them, ...