Verity's Pov the hall had gone eerily quiet when I returned. The music had long since faded, the laughter dimmed into a distant memory. The once-glittering ballroom stood nearly empty—just four of us remained beneath the chandeliers: Cassian, Kin, Caleb… and me.

My steps faltered as I looked around. My family was gone. So were Theron’s. The air still carried traces of perfume and wine, but their presence had left a chill that clung to my skin.

Caleb turned as I approached, eyes ...