The Grand Ballroom of the Palais was a cathedral of arrogance. High above the guests, the ceiling was a mosaic of mirrors, reflecting the gold, the silk, and the silver falcon pins of the Valerius elite. At the far end of the hall, a stage had been erected—a minimalist slab of black marble where Caspian would soon deliver the "New Vane" manifesto.

Selene sat at a corner table with Silas, their "Sterling-Cross" identities acting as a perfect, invisible shield. To the waiter pouring their 1996 Dom Pérignon, they were just another wealthy couple from the Baltics. To Caspian, who was currently adjusting his cuffs in the wings of the stage, they were a ticking time bomb.