The two moons had long claimed the night sky, its glows casting soft silver and blue across the gleaming rooftops of the Velebrandt estate. The birthday celebration of Lucien Caelum Velebrandt—though a belated one—had come to a graceful end. The great hall, once filled with music, laughter, clinking glasses, and swirling dresses, now stood still and echoing with the quiet hum of the late hours.
Outside, the estate grounds echoed with the faint rumbling of departing carriages. Luxurious vehicles adorned with the crests of various noble houses rolled down the gravel paths in dignified procession, guided by knights of House Velebrandt clad in midnight-blue cloaks. Their armor gleamed faintly under the moonlight, polished and resolute even at this late hour.
