The Overlook Hall, Aethelgard
As dusk fell, the lights of Stonecross Manor came on one by one. The clubhouse, perched halfway up the mountain, was livelier than usual tonight.
The staff bustled in and out, and the kitchen hadn't stopped since the afternoon.
Today was Kian Miller's birthday. For once, Jett Westgate had cleared his schedule of all social engagements to get together with them.
A few people were scattered around the living room, two bottles of wine already open. Kian Miller was leaning back in an armchair, his tie half-loosened, a wine glass in hand and a faint, tipsy flush on his face.
Across from him sat Leo Lennox and Hugo Summers. One was smoking, the other was on his phone, and they would occasionally exchange a few words.
A housekeeper came in with freshly brewed tea, placed it quietly on the coffee table, and retreated. But no one touched the tea; wine was far more popular.
