Deric’s POV

The invitation came unexpectedly, an elegant card sealed with a deep crimson wax stamp, embossed with a regal crest I recognized immediately. Lord Mathias Vale. He’d been my father’s closest confidant once, but after my father’s fall from grace, Mathias had disappeared on us, or so I thought. Why now? Why summon me?

“Join me at my estate this Friday evening,” the card said, “for an exclusive gathering. There’s much to ...