The rest of the morning passed in a blur of silence. Chloe sat at the long dining table, untouched breakfast cooling in front of her, as Valerius paced the room like a predator who'd scented blood. His movements were sharp, precise, the kind of restless control that promised violence simmering beneath the surface.

Cordelia entered once, balancing a silver tray stacked with letters and documents. Valerius waved her away without even glancing at them.

Chloe finally found her voice. "What are ...