The grand parlor of Baringer Castle seemed to hold its breath, the flames of the floating crystals flickering faintly, casting shifting shadows across the golden stone walls. Hellene, her heart pounding, stared at the man in the black coat with golden trim seated in the armchair. His long, dark hair cascaded down his back, a few strands nearly covering his left eye. "Ghost…" she whispered, her voice trembling. She turned to Barrios, panic in her eyes. "Barrios, did you invite him without telling us?"
Ghost set his wine glass on the low table, his gaze calm and cold. "Relax, Hellene. First, I'm not the type to wait for an invitation. Second, if I wanted to take your life tonight, you wouldn't be standing there shaking." Fear was etched in Hellene's eyes, and she couldn't muster a single word.
Barrios raised a calming hand. "Ghost, glad you're here. Hellene, no need to worry. He gave his word that neither he nor his son would harm the royal family."
