The pale morning sunlight filtered through the grand arched windows of Castle Iron Hearth, casting long, dancing reflections from the ornamental crystals suspended in the Great Hall. The air within the castle felt significantly warmer than it had two years ago, a direct result of the installation of the Central Mana Substation which now supplied thermal energy to the entire wall-heating system. However, the warmth felt that morning did not originate from machines; rather, it stemmed from a piece of news that had just been confirmed in the castle's private medical wing.
Lady Rhea Sudrath sat perched upon a velvet chair in her private chambers, her sharp eyes fixed on Elena—Riven's wife and the family's head physician—who was just finishing the task of packing away her specialized medical instruments. Beside Rhea, Duchess Aurelia stood with her hands clasped tightly in front of her chest, her usually serene and composed face radiating a suppressed, electric tension.
