The room stilled.
“May we announce,” the herald called, his voice rising above the hush, “Queen Syrena Virell of Shadowmere, accompanied by Lord Jasper Hendrix.”
All heads turned as the queen entered the ballroom—regal, radiant, her gown a cascade of green and gold. Jasper stood tall at her side, expression unreadable, his hand resting protectively over hers.
Syrena leaned in, whispered something to the announcer.
The herald raised his voice again.
“And may we also introduce… Princess Elira Virell, accompanied by Prince Caelen of Sorrowsea.”
The words rang out like a blade striking stone. I felt Leo go still beside me.
Phoenix’s brow furrowed, sharp and immediate.
And me?
I turned toward the top of the stair, pulse hammering in my throat.
There she was.
The ballroom stilled around us.
And then she appeared.
Elira stood at the top of the staircase, a vision in silver and midnight. Her gown shimmered like starlight—sharp in places, soft in others. Her hair was swept back, loose curls tumbling over one shoulder, pinned with something delicate and shining.
I swallowed involuntarily.
She looked like something pulled out of a dream. Untouchable. Radiant.
And not alone.
Beside her stood Caelen. All polish and poise and political grace. He didn’t touch her. He didn’t need to. His presence alone made a statement.
My gut twisted.
Leo let out a low breath beside me—like he’d been punched and didn’t want to show it.
“Gods,” he said softly. “She’s stunning...”
Phoenix was silent. Too still. His eyes tracked her movements with the kind of focus he usually reserved for war strategy or live flames.
“She’s playing a role,” he said finally, voice clipped. “That’s not comfort. That’s armour.”
“She didn’t tell us,” I muttered. My fists were clenched and I hadn’t even noticed.
“Why would she come in with him?” Leo asked. “Why not wait for us?”
“Maybe the queen asked her to?” Phoenix said. “It would make sense.”
“So what does this mean now?” I asked, unable to tear my gaze from her.
“It doesn’t have to mean anything.” Maddie said from beside me. “So she came with him. Look at her. Does she look happy?”
I looked at Elira. The cold, calm tilt of her expression, the reserve in her smile. She nodded and bowed her head at the right moments, but it was like she was going through the motions.
For a moment, her gaze flicked towards us. I caught it with my own and for a second I saw a softening, which passed just as fast.
