The moment Selena's voice slid through the air, it silenced everything else.
Even the music seemed to soften, as if recognizing the rightful queen of the stage had arrived.
She stood behind Raven—her shadow draped over his. Her blue eyes gleamed under the golden chandeliers, her smile warm yet sharp enough to cut.
"Raven," she said softly, "when exactly were you planning to dance with me? You did promise, remember?"
Raven blinked once, sneaking a glance at Aira, and seeing her hopeful expression, he sighed inwardly.
But knowing that this was the best thing to do, he turned back to Selena with a smile. "…Right now sounds good."
Selena's expression brightened, but beneath that glow was a glint of something unmistakable—possession.
She slipped her hand into his without hesitation, fingers threading through his, as though claiming something that was hers all along.
The nobles nearby pretended not to stare, but their eyes followed every movement.
