The morning sun filtered through the high windows of House Varyn, but the warmth in the air did nothing to thaw the tension lingering in Lucien's mind.
Elise's offer was tempting—but dangerous.
Lord Varyn was watching him, a predator waiting for the right moment to strike.
And Selene… she had finally stepped into the game.
---
### The Arrival of the Silent Messenger
A small, sealed letter arrived at dawn, carried by a servant with no name.
The wax bore no crest.
The words inside were sharp and deliberate:
"Tonight. The East Courtyard. Alone."
Lucien traced the edges of the parchment. He had too many enemies for blind trust—but too much ambition to ignore an opportunity.
---
### Selene's Gambit
The courtyard was quiet when he arrived, the scent of damp stone mixing with the soft rustling of silk.
Selene stood beneath the lantern glow, her expression unreadable.
"I expected more hesitation," she murmured.
"You don't call me to secret meetings for idle talk."
She stepped forward, her gaze sharper than any blade.
"Lord Varyn moves against you," she said. "Tonight. If you remain, you fall."
Lucien didn't flinch. He had known it was coming—but hearing it aloud was different.
---
### The War Begins
The choice stood before him: flee, fight, or bend the game to his will.
If he ran, he lost everything.
If he fought, the cost could be high.
And if he manipulated the board one step ahead…
Lord Varyn wouldn't know what hit him.
The night would not end in silence.
It would end with the first strike of war.