Cassian stood at the precipice of nothing, as a swirling abyss below him roared. The air around him felt suffocating, as if the abyss pulled his very soul from his body. Something massive moved below the clouds, like a leviathan under black water.


    A voice–felt, unspoken–slithered into Cassian''s mind. "Fall."


    Cassian staggered back, the abyss watching him.


    The capitol was set ablaze. Scorched skyships fell around him like dying embers. Valerian collapsed under fire.


    A silhouette stood towering before him, the steel of the empire''s insignia glimmered. Bloodied gauntlets held a sword to his throat.


    Another figure, cloaked in shadows, whispering a language he did not recognize. It reached out to him, calling him. "Fall." A force pulled him violently, crushing the ground beneath his feet. He fell, the abyss devouring him, pulling him into the endless depths.


    Cassian jolted awake, gasping for air. His body felt cold, yet sweat clung to his skin. The darkness of his bedroom felt too quiet, as his pulse hammered into his ribs and up to his ears. The echoes of the dream still loomed, repeating itself. The abyss and the burning city still clawed at the edges of his mind. He pressed a trembling hand up to his forehead, his breath uneven.


    A soft pressurized hiss of steam broke the silence. Aldric''s gears hummed awake, as his optics lit up. "Master Cassian, is everything alright?"


    Cassian moved to the edge of his bed, his elbows rested on his knees, his hands clasped together as he stared at the floor without seeing it. "It was just a dream, Aldric, I''m alright."


    "Another sleepless night," Aldric pointed out, "they are becoming more frequent of late, sir."


    Cassian lifted his head as Aldric stepped into the candle light. "I don''t think I will ever truly rest anymore."


    Aldric tilted his head. "Your father often said the same."


    Cassian''s breath slowed, running a hand through his dark hair, his chest tight, as if someone was pressing on it. "Did he ever mention what haunted him?"


    Aldric stood quiet for a moment, the lights in his optics flickering. "No, sir. But I do believe that it never left him."


    "Comforting," Cassian chuckled.


    Aldric''s mechanic joints clicked as he picked up a glass of water from the bedside table, offering it without a word. Cassian accepted it silently, his hands still shaking.


    "Would you like to talk about it, sir?" Aldric asked, after observing him.


    Cassian hesitated. His nightmare was washing out from his mind, the details becoming more obscure and harder to make out. The images dissolved like ink in water.


    His fingers tightened around the glass, as he let out a sharp exhale from his nose. "No."


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    "Then at least try to get some more rest, Master Cassian," his voice was steady, though a hint of warmth in it, "Tomorrow will demand much from you."


    Cassian huffed softly, setting down the glass. "Tomorrow always does."


    Aldric bowed his head slightly. "Then like a Vaelthorne in shadows, you will endure." He turned, his movements precise, and exited without another word. Leaving Cassian alone with his thoughts.


    Cassian ate without any real hunger. The scent of Aldric''s fresh baked bread and roasted meats filled the air of the empty dining hall, but he barely noticed. Before him lay a plate of fresh roasted ham, neatly arranged eggs and a loaf of steaming toast, however, the tea pot took up his attention. He stirred his tea, his eyes lost in a trance.


    Across from him stood Aldric–apron and all–composed with his hands neatly clasped together behind his back.


    "You are uncharacteristically quiet yet again, Master Cassian," Aldric observed.


    Cassian smirked to himself, stirring his tea. "You are uncharacteristically concerned."


    Aldric''s servos hummed, as he tilted his head. "An observation is not concern, merely data collected. Your appetite has diminished. Your collar and cheekbones are protruding more than usual. Your sleep cycle has been irregular. There is a seventy-six percent chance you are troubled."


    Cassian chuckled dryly. "And what''s the twenty-four percent?"


    "Indigestion."


    Cassian shook his head, amused despite himself. "Reassuring as always, Aldric."


    The doors of the dining hall opened.


    Lady Evelyn entered, high heels clicking, dressed impeccably like always.


    Aldric bowed his head, greeting her politely. Cassian did not.


    "Evelyn," Cassian said, setting down his tea cup.


    Lady Evelyn did not sit, she stopped by the edge of the table, a white envelope between her fingers.


    "Lord Ravencourt is hosting a gathering, a celebration between the noble houses. It would be unwise to not attend."


    Cassian scoffed, going for a piece of toast. "How dull."


    "It is an opportunity," Evelyn continued, ignoring his dismissiveness. "Your presence would reaffirm House Vaelthorne''s standing in the court. Something we dearly need right now. Declining it would not go unnoticed."


    Cassian paused, mid-bite, studying her unreadable features. "What is it exactly that they want?"


    Evelyn met his gaze, unflinching. "To see if you still belong among them." She set down the envelope, facing Cassian, the wax insignia of House Ravencourt staring at him.


    He set down his toast, leaning back in his chair, his eyes flicking to the envelope on the table. "They have waited years to bury us," Cassian murmured, "why do the Ravencourts suddenly want to play allies?"


    "Perhaps to see what kind of man you have become," Lady Evelyn answered simply.


    Cassian studied her for a moment. "I assume you want me to accept."


    "It would be wise." Her gaze pierced into him.


    Cassian smirked faintly. "Then I guess I''ll have to make an appearance." He watched as she inclined her head slightly, then left without a word, leaving the invitation in front of him. He stared at it for a long moment, before picking it up.


    "A curious event," Aldric remarked.


    Cassian twirled the envelope between his fingers. "That''s one way to put it." He frowned.


    "Shall I prepare your banquet tailcoat, sir?" Aldric offered, leaning over Cassian’s shoulder, his eyes flicking from the envelope to Cassian.


    “Sure, let’s get dolled up for the nobles,” Cassian said with a sigh.