I walked across the ballroom, not seeing anyone other than Emanuel and Iliana. Her chest pushed out when she drew a sharp breath watching me fight my way through the crowd. Her brown eyes turned round as they glimmered like a hundred diamonds and she reached out her arms.

“Hazel, oh thank the gods,”

We embraced in a hug that felt like it would never end. I wouldn't mind if it didn’t.

“I was so worried about you,” she whispered. Iliana moved her head, her hands ...