Veil of Deceit

(RYKER'S POV)

As Neva fell to the floor, I recalled the minute when all of my plans started to spin in motion.

Rose had come to fetch me from the garden. Her voice was calm, but her eyes burning with urgency. “The elders are waiting,” she had said, tugging me away from that foolish picnic.

I followed her to the throne room with my men. The air in the hall was heavy, almost eager for what I had to