"Poured and waiting. The Verentian red you favored last time."
A small sound of approval from Kraven. "And Helena?"
"In the back with her children." Mara's voice carried a careful blend of reassurance and excitement. "She is ready, my lord. I am very confident tonight will exceed your expectations."
Kraven's smile widened visibly.
"Good. I've been looking forward to this for some time." A pause, and something almost boyish moved across his face—like a child excited to unbox his favorite toy. "A mother and her children... together... in the same room."
He exhaled slowly, savoring the thought. "There are very few pleasures left in this world that feel genuinely new."
"Tonight will feel new, my lord," Mara assured him. "I promise you that."
She guided him forward, moving him towards the sofas—and it was then that Kraven saw Julian.
He stopped dead in his tracks.
