Page 76 of The Hunter's Empire

I instinctively reach up, brushing a loose strand of hair away from my ear. The tiny communication device remains hidden beneath my carefully styled hair.

"I do."

"Good."

The single word carries more weight than it should. Because once we leave this room, the night truly begins.

Nico studies me for another moment, as if making one final assessment, before offering me his arm. "Ready?"

No. Not even remotely. But standing here isn't going to change anything.

I slide my hand through his arm. "Let's go." And together, we leave the bedroom.

The transformation of the estate becomes impossible to ignore the moment we step into the corridor. Every hallway glows beneath the warm light of hundreds of candles. Fresh flowers line the walls and staircases, their fragrance lingering in the air alongside the distant sound of music. Guests move through the manor in elegant gowns and tailored suits, their conversations blending together into a constant murmur of wealth, influence, and carefully hidden agendas.

To anyone else, it probably looks beautiful. To me, it looks dangerous. There are too many people. Too many variables. Too many things capable of going wrong.

As we descend the grand staircase, I immediately begin noticing details that most guests would never pay attention to. Security personnel are positioned throughout the estate, some openly visible, others attempting to blend into the crowd. Fergus's trusted men watch from balconies overlooking the ballroom, their eyes constantly scanning the gathering below.

Nico notices them too. "Left balcony." He murmurs quietly.

"I see them."

"Three guards."

"Four."

His eyes flick briefly toward me. "Good."

To everyone around us, it looks like idle conversation between an engaged couple. In reality, we're cataloging threats.

By the time we reach the bottom of the staircase, the ballroom is already overflowing with guests. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, casting golden light across the polished floor. A live orchestra plays near the far wall while servers move gracefully through the crowd carrying champagne and expensive whiskey.

And somewhere inside all of this… Behind the music, the laughter, the performance is the reason we came here.

Nico's hand briefly settles against the small of my back as he guides me forward.

"Smile, Elf."

I glance at him. "You smile."

"I am smiling."

"That's your normal face."

His expression turns offended. "I'll have you know women find this face very charming."

"Then those women need better judgment."

He laughs. The sound is quiet. Genuine. And for a brief moment, despite the pressure hanging over us, despite the danger waiting later tonight, despite the fact that my pulse is still racing beneath layers of silk, I find myself smiling too. Again.

Which is unfortunate. Very unfortunate. Because Nico notices that too. His smirk deepens ever so slightly, but for once he has the good sense not to comment on it.

Instead, he guides me deeper into the ballroom as we weave through clusters of guests. Around us, conversations overlap into a constant hum of politics, money, and influence. Crystal glasses clink together. Laughter rises and falls.

Somewhere across the room, Darragh is already entertaining a group of foreign investors while Fergus watches the crowd with the careful attention of a man who trusts absolutely no one.

I force myself to relax. Or at least look relaxed. Because tonight isn't about standing out. It's about blending in. Every smile. Every conversation. Every dance. Every glass of champagne. All of it is part of the act.