Dinner in the Sudrath family dining hall that evening should have proceeded as normally as ever.
Two seats remained conspicuously empty at the head of the table—belonging to King Lucian and Rumina, who were currently managing diplomatic affairs in Frostmere. The rest of the family was fully present. Aurelia, Riven, Elena, Raveena, and of course, Raphael.
In the center of the teakwood table, a massive bowl of creamy chicken soup wafted thick, mouth-watering steam. The rich aroma blended flawlessly with freshly baked whole-wheat bread and the sharp, spicy kick of their signature chili relish.
However, that peaceful domesticity was abruptly shattered the moment Raveena set down her spoon.
"By the way, Raphael," Raveena called out. His older sister's voice flowed flawlessly sweet. Far too sweet for something that wasn't lacing a deadly poison. "I heard some very... interesting information today."
