|| Lilac's POV ||

The moment I walked away from Alaric, my heart felt like it was being torn in two. The weight of his gaze lingered on me, the intensity of his grey eyes burning into my soul even as I turned my back on him. I couldn’t afford to let my emotions take over— not now, not when so much was at stake. But the ache in my chest was relentless, a constant reminder of the bond I was trying so hard to deny.

As I moved through the grand hall, my eyes scanned the room, ...