~IAN~

The dining hall of DuskHowl Dominion was carved from ice and arrogance. Marble pillars speared the vaulted ceiling, veins of silver threading through them like luxury bleeding. Crystal chandeliers dangled like threats, their glinting teardrops watching in cold judgment.

And I sat beneath them.

Wrapped in a navy tunic Kaelric had handpicked, I felt like a doll trussed up for auction. The fabric hugged too tightly. Like a costume for a role I didn’t choose. The banquet table stretched on ...