Dinner that night was stifling. The clink of cutlery against porcelain seemed louder than usual, echoing through the long dining room like small sparks of irritation.

Ivy sat at the far end of the table, her eyes fixed on the plate in front of her, but she could feel it, the unspoken storm brewing between the brothers.

Darius and Damien’s glares were unmistakable, sharp and constant, aimed at Cassien, who for once wasn’t wearing his usual mask of mischief.

His expression softened in a ...