KIERAN’S POV
The ballroom carried on with its polished rhythm as though the corridors beyond it had not just hummed with threats and poisoned invitations.
Music softened into an anticipatory lull. Laughter rose and fell in curated waves. Servers moved like synchronized dancers, clearing glasses and adjusting centerpieces as the master of ceremonies prepared to call the room to order.
Sera and I had separated ten minutes ago.
She stood between Maya and Ethan, posture relaxed, smile genuine instead of strategic. With them, there was no performance—just comfort, familiarity, and ease.
What I wouldn’t give to be in that space right now.
Instead, I stood with two Alphas near the central staircase, discussing moonstone trade quotas and mineral transport routes while my gaze tracked the subtle shifts of the ballroom.
Vidar, I noticed, was absent.
Either he hadn’t reentered the main hall yet, or he’d left.
