The ballroom still shimmered with silver and candlelight, but the music had slowed to a soft murmur. Most guests had trickled out, trailing laughter and glittering masks. Only a few lingered, Celeste and Hunter among them, arms lazily entwined on the moonlit balcony overlooking Hollow Mountain.

“This was supposed to be a diplomatic event,” Celeste murmured, her cheek resting against Hunter’s chest. “Not a love confession masquerading as a masquerade.”

Hunter kissed the top of her ...