The moon rose high over Northridge, The night was meant for celebration — at least, that was what Kia had declared. But beneath the laughter, beneath the music echoing faintly through the great hall, there was a great tension looming

Every soul in the room felt it.

The long tables were laden with roasted meat, fruits dripping with honey, and silver goblets filled to the brim. The scent of spiced wine floated in the air, heavy and almost sweet enough to hide the bitterness that lurked ...