The Arrangement

Morning settled heavily over Edevane.

By sunrise, the cathedral murder had already become the biggest story in the country.

Outside Aurelian Tower,

reporters crowded behind barricades while black security vehicles lined the entrance roads.

Inside the tower—

everything remained perfectly controlled.

At least on the surface.

---

The private dining hall overlooking the city remained silent except for the sound of porcelain against silver.

At the head of the table sat Leonard Aurelian.

Chairman of Aurelian Group.

One of the most powerful men in Edevane.

Beside him,

Evelyn Aurelian stirred her coffee gracefully.

Across from them sat Silas Aurelian.

Future heir of the Aurelian empire.

---

LEONARD: The board is concerned.

SILAS: A man was murdered.

LEONARD: Which is exactly why appearances matter now.

EVELYN: The engagement ceremony cannot

be delayed.

SILAS: (leaning back coldly) unbelievable.

LEONARD: Public stability is important for this family.

SILAS: Is that what we’re calling it?

---

Silas glanced toward the rain-covered skyline beyond the windows.

News channels continued replaying footage from Riverside Cathedral.

A silver crescent symbol flashed repeatedly across the screens.

And for some reason—

that symbol bothered him more than the murder itself.

---

NEWS REPORTER: Victor Hale, senior legal advisor for several elite corporations, was found dead late last night inside Riverside Cathedral.

NEWS REPORTER: Authorities have not identified the meaning behind the crescent symbol discovered at the scene.

---

Elsewhere in the city… 🌃

Ashford Manor had become complete chaos.

Stylists rushed through marble hallways carrying garment bags while assistants argued over flower arrangements and seating charts for the upcoming engagement ceremony.

At the center of it all stood Vespera Ashford.

Adopted daughter of the influential Ashford family.

Elegant.

Reserved.

Always difficult to read.

---

Beside her stood Rhea Arden.

Recently hired as both Vespera’s personal assistant and private security escort after the engagement announcement.

Sharp-tongued.

Observant.

Clearly uncomfortable around elite society.

---

CAMILLE (Designer) : Miss Ashford, silver embroidery or black crystal detailing?

VESPERA: The silver.

CAMILLE: Excellent choice.

RHEA: (holding several folders while scanning the hallway) rich people really make weddings look terrifying.

VESPERA: You’ll survive.

RHEA: debatable.

---

Even while speaking casually,

Rhea’s attention constantly moved around the room.

Watching exits.

Watching people.

Like she trusted nobody completely.

---

Moments later… ☁️

Black vehicles stopped outside Ashford Manor.

Aurelian security.

The atmosphere inside shifted immediately.

Staff straightened nervously as the front doors opened.

And then—

Silas stepped inside.

Dark coat.

Rain-soaked gloves.

Cold expression.

His attention stopped only when he saw

Vespera standing near the staircase.

Elegant silver dress.

Calm as ever.

For several seconds—

neither of them spoke.

Two people preparing to marry each other.

Not for love.

Not even for trust.

Simply because their families decided it made sense.

---

SILAS: I didn’t realize wedding preparation involved this much suffering.

VESPERA: You should see the seating chart discussions.

SILAS: Worse than murder investigations?

VESPERA: surprisingly close.

SILAS: (almost smirking) impressive.

VESPERA: Thank you.

---

Across the hallway,

Rhea quietly organized documents while continuing to monitor the room carefully.

Professional.

Detached.

Nothing about her suggested closeness with

Vespera beyond work responsibilities.

Then—

her phone vibrated suddenly.

Rhea glanced downward briefly.

UNKNOWN NUMBER.

Her expression shifted for the smallest second.

Enough for Silas to notice.

---

UNKNOWN: VEIL NIGHT REMEMBERS.

---

Rhea locked her phone immediately.

Too late.

Silas had already seen the reflection of the message in the mirror behind her.

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