War was avoided—but at what cost?
A schism within the Empire made it vulnerable and opened the door to predators who had only been waiting for a convenient opportunity.
And the largest of these predators not only made its move, but clamped onto the body of the badly wounded, dead Empire with a death grip—so it could fully bring it under its control.
What goals does the von Grave family pursue? Who helps them? And most importantly—who stands behind them in the shadows?