"Black Dragon?"

Newton was stunned by James's words. One of the five commanders of Sol? The Black Dragon of the Southern Plains, whose battle a year ago sent shockwaves across the world? Serena, his granddaughter, glanced at James. The Black Dragon was a name known to all, though no one knew what he looked like. She never imagined the Black Dragon would be a Caden.

James looked at Newton. "Mr. Quinn," he asked, "can you tell me more about my family?" Despite his position of power and authority, he'd found nothing about the Cadens' history. He believed his family was extraordinary, as was the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside's Edge.

Newton took a deep breath. Since James was the Black Dragon, he could confront the Cadens' enemies. "James," he said, "have you ever heard of the Four Great Families of Sol?"

"Huh?" James frowned. The Four Great Families of Sol? He knew of powerful, immensely wealthy families in the capital, but not these.

Newton continued, "The Cadens, Sullivans, Johnstons, and Lees are the Four Great Families of Sol. They've existed for nearly two thousand years, their influence felt worldwide."

"Mr. Quinn, are you saying the Cadens are one of them?"

"Yes." Newton nodded. "Though they possess much of the world's wealth, few know of their existence. Thirty years ago, infighting erupted within the Cadens. Your grandfather, Thomas, left with his family and migrated to Cansington."

James asked, "Then what does the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside's Edge have to do with the Cadens' destruction?"

Newton replied, "I don't know. I'm only a butler, a servant. I only know your grandfather brought the Moonlit Flowers from the Cadens, and that someone powerful sought it. Thomas told me the Four Great Families are scattered globally. The current Emperor, one of the five commanders, is also from one of the Four Great Families. Which one, I don't know."

James's face darkened. "Mr. Quinn, are you saying the Emperor is behind the Cadens' destruction?"

Newton shook his head. "James, I don't know. The Emperor is from one of the Four Great Families. The Cadens' destruction could have been an inside job, or planned by the other three families."

The Four Great Families were shrouded in secrecy; outsiders were unaware of their existence. Newton hadn't planned to reveal this, but James, as the Black Dragon and a commander of Sol, held the power to confront them. James brightened at this news. If the Emperor was responsible, the five commanders would become four. Though powerful, eliminating the Emperor wouldn't be difficult for James.

"Mr. Quinn," James asked, "do you know the history of the Moonlit Flowers and its secrets? Why would anyone want it?"

Newton shook his head. "James, I don't know. Thomas said nothing."

"Then do you know who possesses the Moonlit Flowers now?"

Newton shook his head again.

James was disappointed. He'd expected more insider information from Newton, not just the Cadens' history. He pulled an ordinary key from his pocket. (The final promotional sentence was removed as it was irrelevant to the text cleanup.)