The morning light filtered through the tall windows of Carson’s office, spilling across the polished mahogany desk and the scattered papers that detailed the aftermath of the new threat. Justina Ashes sat across from him, fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup, eyes thoughtful and distant. The events of last night, the visitor, the secrets hinted at the danger that lurked still hummed in the air like a low, insistent warning.

Carson leaned back in his chair, gaze fixed on her. “You’re ...