Daggermouth

“The President has ordered to see you and the Daggermouth in his Haven Tower offices immediately,” Mikel a

The demand percolated between them as Greyson forced his breathing to stay steady. Immediate summons to the President’s office always ended with a warning—a threat. Greyson felt Shadera move closer beside him, the heat of her body reaching out as if trying to calm him.

“What’s this regarding?” Greyson asked, buying time as his mind raced through possibilities, none of them good.

“He did not say,” Mikel replied, his face revealing nothing. “Only that your presence is required without delay.” He paused, then added with careful emphasis, “Both of you.”

Greyson felt rather than saw the tension ripple through Shadera’s body. This summons wasn’t a request. It was a command backed by the full authority of the Heart. Refusing wasn’t an option—not without triggering immediate suspicion, immediate response. Whatever his father wanted, they would have to face it directly.

“We’ll need a moment to prepare,” Greyson said, his voice calm despite the alarm bells ringing in his mind.

Mikel nodded once, sharply, then stepped back, allowing Greyson to close the door. As soon as it clicked shut, Greyson turned to face the others.

“This could be a trap,” Shadera said quietly, voicing what they were all thinking.

Greyson turned to her, struck by the realization that she was afraid. Not for herself—he doubted she’d ever feared for her own life—but for what their discovery might mean for the rings, for the thousands whose lives hung in the balance of their ability to deceive his father.

“I know,” Greyson breathed, scrubbing a hand over his face. “Let’s just get it over with.” He glanced to Callum. “Tonight. Your place. If for some reason we aren’t there, make a plan. Move forward with or without us.”