War had been averted—but at what cost?

The Empire stood fractured, exposed—and the scent of weakness drew predators who had waited years for this moment.

One of them had already made his move, sinking his claws into the Empire's wounded body with a death grip—not to destroy, but to dominate. Total control. Absolute submission.

What does the House of von Grave truly want? Who's backing them from the shadows?

And more importantly—who's pulling the strings behind the throne?