Rome wasn’t supposed to burn again.
Not like that.
But Liam stood at the top of the ancient colonnade near his family’s estate, watching smoke ripple over the distant city lights.
Flames didn’t rise from buildings.
They rose from people.
It started after Solara’s fall, when the Ashford mansion, once a silent fortress of wealth and secrets, became a beacon.
A signal.
Now they were being watched.
Not just by allies, but by enemies who had waited in the shadows for too long.
“You’re quiet tonight,” Nova said softly behind him, walking barefoot across the rooftop.
Liam turned, offering her the coffee he hadn’t yet sipped.
She took it with a smile but didn’t drink either.
“She’s still glowing,” Nova said.
“Cassia?”
She nodded.
“She hasn’t slept. Just… sit and watch the moon.”
“L
