The mansion didn't feel the same after Leon left.
It looked the same.
The same polished floors.
The same tall windows letting in warm afternoon light.
The same quiet halls.
But something had shifted.
Something heavy had settled into the walls.
Aiden stood in the middle of the living room, the folded invitation still in his hand. He had read it twice already.
Then three times.
It didn't change.
Names. Dates. Location.
A gathering.
But not just any gathering.
A gathering of people who weren't supposed to still matter.
People Noah had left behind.
People who, according to the way Noah was acting… might have unfinished business with him.
Aiden exhaled slowly and dropped onto the couch.
"This is bad."
Noah stood near the window, staring outside like Leon might still be there.
"He wouldn't come himself if it wasn't important."
Aiden glanced at him.
"You mean if it wasn't dangerous."
Noah didn't correct him.
That was answer enough.
Minutes passed.
