I was halfway through examining a rare medicinal herb when my phone vibrated again. Seraphina Sterling's name flashed across the screen for the fifth time in an hour. With a frustrated sigh, I finally answered.
"What part of 'no' wasn't clear the first four times?" I snapped, pinching the bridge of my nose.
"Liam, please." Her voice cracked—something I'd never heard before from the normally composed Seraphina. "Grandfather William... he's dying. The doctors say he has hours left."
The news hit me like a physical blow. I gripped the phone tighter. "What happened?"
"His heart... it just gave out. He's been asking for you." A sob escaped her. "I know you have every reason to hate our family, but he was the only one who ever defended you."
