The sterile white light of the hospital room reflected off the tablet’s screen, making Evie’s mother look even paler than she was. "You look tired, Evelyn," her mother whispered. "The Voss mansion… is it as cold as they say?" Evie forced a smile, her heart aching. She was sitting in her lavish dressing room, surrounded by silks and diamonds that felt like gilded shackles. "It’s just a big house, Mom. I’m fine. The doctors say your vitals are stabilizing. That’s all that matters." "Be careful," her mother breathed. "Power like theirs… it doesn't just corrupt. It consumes." The call ended with a soft chime, leaving Evie in a silence that felt heavy with dread. She stared at her reflection. She was wearing a gown of midnight blue—expensive, sharp, and chosen by Kael for its ‘defensive’ silhouette. Tonight was not just a dinner; it was a trial. Victoria had summoned her, and Victoria never summoned anyone without a blade hidden in her smile. The dining hall was a cavern of obs
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