Vera's tavern was packed by the time they arrived—but not with the usual crowd of wandering mercenaries, boisterous traders, or grim Shadow Knights nursing mead in silence.
No—this was something different.
The moment Riven stepped through the tavern doors, a wave of noise and color slammed into him like a spell.
"Surprise!"
The shout echoed from dozens of voices—some familiar, others new. Laughter followed, warm and real, spilling out into the street like light through a crack in a shutter. Candles flared brighter, banners of painted silk unfurling from the rafters with perfect timing.
Riven froze.
Truly froze.
