Ethan turned to leave the office, satisfied that the meeting with Selene was done. He was halfway
to the door when her crisp voice cut through the hush like a blade.
"Ethan."
He paused mid-step and looked back. "Yes, Swordmaster?"
Selene's eyes, sharp as polished steel, held his in a steady gaze. She leaned back in her chair and
laced her fingers together, a faint smirk tugging at one corner of her lips.
"I want you to come with me to the Empire."
Ethan blinked. "The Empire?"
Selene nodded, her tone growing more formal. "There's a summit being convened. All the major
forces will be present — nobles, grandmasters, swordmasters, representatives of the Top Fifteen,
all the mage tower masters… every significant power in the Empire. It's not optional. We're
required to appear."
Ethan raised a brow. Mage tower masters? His mind immediately went to a familiar name.
Velexaria…
The thought slipped through him like a warm current. He hadn't seen Velexaria in ages, not since
