The grand opening of the Aurora had transformed from a celebration of Northern resilience into a high-stakes masquerade of Southern courtly tension. Silks shimmered, wine perfumed the air, and gossip buzzed low and fast throughout the boutique, yet the space seemed to constrict the moment the Vernhardt family entered.
Verona moved through the crowd with a fixed, regal smile, but her eyes never truly left the figures of her siblings. Beside her, Elric was a silent storm.
"Mina," Verona whispered as the guard drifted past her. "The perimeter?"
"Tightened," Mina replied. "Sir Zachren is at the rear delivery entrance. We've doubled the guard on the vault."
As Mina vanished back into the crowd, Verona felt a heavy, familiar presence behind her. It wasn't the steady, protective heat of Elric.
She turned to find Varon standing inches away from her.
