**Wits and Wisdom—Mattia Turzo**
Vaness Ashwyck received Ember and Calyx with the kind of scowl that was reserved for blood enemies.
Although the reception was nothing short of enarmoring, considering that Vaness didn't offer her a seat but a white set of fangs bared like she would attack Ember any minute.
Calyx didn't shrink back, neither did Ember who returned the gesture with a smile.
"I see that the King, my father, has graced you with one of the most beautiful dwellings here in the post house. He sure knows how to pay for the price of his son's crime."
Vaness growled. "Ceyric's death is not a stain that can simply be bought off. It's far presumptuous of your father to think so."
Ember chuckled, her eyes sweeping over the sitting room. "Funny, but I agree with you. Ceyric's death is something that must be avenged. It's far unfortunate though that your sire has accepted the Blood Slaves as compensation."
