Axel

The grand hall buzzed with celebration as Giovanni was welcomed back home. Cheers and applause filled the air, the scent of wine and burning torches mingling as the people of Mallory rejoiced.

I stood tall among the gathered crowd, my arms crossed over my chest as I watched the reunion unfold.

Prince Giovanni looked stronger, more confident his presence radiated the kind of leadership a kingdom needed.

Yet my focus wavered.

My gaze kept drifting toward her.

Zoraya.

She stood ...