Jag sweeps his eyes across the room. “The appointment to Regent is not only a great honor but a great responsibility. Brendan is young but strong, like I was at his age,” he says. Brendan smiles at the praise, but not in the cocky self-confident way he would have at the Academy. This Brendan seems to be more reserved, almost shy.

We all glance at one another, silently confirming the unfortunate reality that Brendan is being appointed. I remember Ash telling me that Jag took over as head of the Family when he was only a teenager, and that everything went sideways from there. I can’t imagine that power will look any better on Brendan.

“Of course this appointment comes with a heavy heart after the untimely passing of his stepfather,” Jag says, like it’s a great tragedy. “But as I always say, one must not lose oneself in sorrow at a time like this, but rely on logic and strategy….”

People around the room nod and Jag clocks their agreement.

“Strategic planning to apprehend the perpetrator of this unforgivable attack, who we believe further insulted our Family by removing a lion from its rightful habitat,” Jag says, and the crowd hangs on his every word.

I look at Ash to see if he’s thinking what I’m thinking, that my dad intentionally provoked Jag with the zoo prank because he knew Jag wouldn’t let it pass without saying something.

“Whoever the criminal is, I assure you that he will be not only eliminated, but made an example of,” Jag continues. “We are employing all available resources. And in addition to our own skilled trackers, we’ve contracted the Ferryman in this sensitive matter.”

There are approving murmurs throughout the room. While this is information I already have, it somehow sounds more ominous coming from Jag.

Jag waits for the crowd. “And I am pleased to report that the updates have been most promising. In fact”—he pauses for effect—“we may very well have the culprit in hand before the end of the evening.”

Surprise ripples through the room and I find myself frozen. The masked Strategia begin to whisper to one another.

Aarya looks at me with worry in her eyes. If Aarya’s worried, it means that wasn’t Jag’s bravado—my dad is in real and immediate danger.

“Now,” Jag says, “let’s not spend any more time on this unpleasantness. This is, after all, a celebration.” He lifts his champagne glass. “To my grandson, Brendan.”

“To Brendan,” the crowd echoes, and Jag returns to his seat.

I glance at Ash, my pulse racing, but he’s not looking at me, he’s looking at the crowd. The band once again starts playing and the room explodes with excited conversation.