Prologue

Evie Sage arrives at Massacre Manor two hours early after a raven demands an urgent meeting. She greets Marv at the gate and enters to find The Villain disheveled and uncharacteristically strained. He does not recall sending the raven, blaming poor sleep and restless death magic. Evie’s humor and presence begin to distract him from the pain burning in his hands and arm.

As The Villain doubles over, Evie persists with gentle distraction, dabbing his brow with a yellow handkerchief and keeping him engaged until his composure returns. He thanks her, unexpectedly softened, while the oppressive sense of his magic recedes enough for him to regain control.

Moments later, a heavy section of the roof collapses toward Evie. The Villain yanks her clear just in time. He insists the manor’s age is to blame and orders cauldron brew, masking concern with brusqueness. Evie notices intact, nonrusted screws among the debris, contradicting his explanation and hinting at deliberate tampering.

As Evie and crown-wearing frog Kingsley head upstairs, Kingsley flashes a sign: “Danger.” Evie quips that the warning is late and tosses the screws back to The Villain. Studying them, he appears burdened, then whispers, “It already has,” acknowledging that the threat is real and already in motion.