Rain poured over the city of Veyr. Kael Veyran stood on the roof of an abandoned cathedral, staring down at the glowing palace beyond the city walls. A black envelope rested between his fingers. There was only one name inside. Prince Arian Valen. Kael had killed kings, generals, nobles, and monsters. But never a prince. His employer’s instructions were simple. Kill him before the next full moon. The reason was even simpler. Arian possessed the Aetheris, an ancient magical power said to have been created before humanity itself. If Arian lost control of it, entire kingdoms could disappear. Kael accepted the contract. He had no reason not to. Yet as he looked toward the palace, an unfamiliar feeling settled in his chest. Something told him this would not be an ordinary assassination.
