The balcony door clicks shut behind me, sealing out the laughter and clinking glasses of the anniversary gala. Below, Dominic stands in polished shoes and tailored silk, raising a toast to my memory—'the beloved Juliet, taken too soon.' My fingers tighten around the vial of neurotoxin in my coat pocket. Six years of running, of cutting my hair, changing my voice, learning how to kill quietly—all for this moment. But then I see it: the ring on his hand, the ancient Varelli signet I was told only the true heir could wear. It should have burned with me in that coffin. So why does he have it? And more importantly… who gave it to him?

A whisper comes from the shadows. 'You’re not the only ghost at this party, sister.' I turn, pulse spiking. Elena steps forward, eyes gleaming with something between guilt and glee. 'He’s been waiting for you. He always knew you’d come back.'

My breath catches. Every plan I’ve made hinges on surprise. Now, I’m exposed. Do I pull the trigger now and risk chaos? Do I follow Elena into the dark hallways and demand answers? Or do I walk away before this becomes a trap?