Seraphina's POV
The ghost of Queen Isolde vanished as suddenly as she had appeared, leaving behind a shocked silence. Pack members stared at the empty space where she had materialized, their expressions ranging from disbelief to terror.
Valerius recovered first. "Everyone remain calm," he commanded, his voice steady despite the pallor of his face. "Please continue with the celebration."
His gaze locked with mine, cold and calculating. All traces of the charming host had vanished.
"Come with me," he ordered, gripping my elbow.
I had little choice but to follow as he steered me away from the stunned crowd and back into the mansion. Neither of us spoke until we reached a small study. He closed the door behind us with a decisive click.
"What just happened?" I demanded, my voice trembling.
"A trick of the light," Valerius answered too quickly. "Perhaps aided by too much wine."
