Celeste's plan to retrieve the map of Veridion was surprisingly simple — and yet dangerous. She knew she couldn't infiltrate the Veil library, nor could Isadora risk another visit so soon. But there was one person in House Vale who owed her a debt — Carlos Vale.
Months ago, Carlos had been gravely injured during a hunting expedition gone wrong. Poisoned and on the brink of death, it was Celeste's healing magic that had saved his life. Now, she intended to call in that favor.
Late into the evening, beneath the cover of twilight, Celeste sought him out. In the quiet of his family's lesser estate, she reminded him of the life she'd spared — and what she needed in return. Though hesitant, Carlos knew better than to deny her. Within hours, he'd slipped into the Veil mansion under the guise of routine business and, with careful precision, retrieved the ancient map of Veridion.
