Chapter 51

The Gathering of Shadows

Adrian's POV

I didn’t want to go to that event. Not tonight. Not with Isabella by my side. Not when every shadow, every glance, every polite nod could hide a knife, a gun, or a calculated betrayal. Not when danger was everywhere, waiting for the smallest crack to crawl through. And yet, I had no choice. My world didn’t pause for fear, and neither would hers.

Isabella adjusted the strap of her dress, her hand brushing mine as she did, a subtle reminder ...