As they settled around the massive table, Aurelius's demeanor shifted slightly. The theatrical energy remained, but underneath it, Noah detected something more serious.
"I know you must be wondering why I invited you here," the king said, serving himself what appeared to be meat that still glowed with internal heat. "The disappearances. The pattern of family heads vanishing without explanation. You're investigating the Eighth Ancestor."
Lucy's fork paused halfway to her mouth. "You know about the Eighth?"
"My dear princess, I know many things that would surprise you," Aurelius replied, his amber eyes taking on a more calculating gleam. "Including the fact that most families have made their... accommodations with this situation."
Lucas leaned forward. "Accommodations?"
"The agreement," Aurelius said simply. "One family head per generation, offered to maintain peace. To prevent open warfare that would devastate our civilization."
