Victor’s POV

The rain was light when I stepped out of the car, but the scent of wet asphalt clung to the air like a warning. I didn’t bother with an umbrella, I let the drizzle touch me.

A king never hides from the weather or from his heirs.

The mansion loomed in the gray afternoon, every window a blind eye, concealing whatever truths lived inside.

My driver opened the trunk and pulled out a polished wooden box tied with a silver ribbon. Inside, a small set of gold rattles nestled ...