Theron stepped out of the Caelvaris estate, the heavy doors closing behind him with a dull, final thud.
The air was cooler here, making the faint scent of ash on him more obvious. His carriage stood waiting at the foot of the steps, guards stationed in silent formation.
Kael followed a step behind, his presence as quiet as ever.
"Find out why the Archduke is here," Theron said, not breaking stride.
Kael didn't question it. He only inclined his head slightly.
"Yes, Sire."
And then… Kael was gone.
Not a sound. Not a trace. One moment beside him, the next swallowed whole by the stretching shadows along the estate walls.
Theron paused just before stepping into the carriage.
Lucian Caelvaris.
A man who had abandoned politics for obsession… returning now, unannounced, on the very day chaos struck his family… and the same day Aveline had entered the Arcanum.
That was no coincidence.
Theron's eyes darkened slightly. Something was moving beneath the surface.
