Natalie~
The heavy double doors of the ballroom loomed ahead, their gold-carved frames catching the torchlight like they held a secret they were aching to tell. My heels tapped against the polished obsidian floor as I walked between Eagle and Fox, Jacob steady by my side. The air was filled with the scent of roses, perfumes, power, and electricity—something that felt like change.
Fox was already preening like a peacock, fixing the hem of my flowing gown for the third time, even though it was already flawless.
"You look like sin dipped in moonlight," he whispered with a wink.
I rolled my eyes. "Try to behave."
"I will. But I can't promise I won't faint from the collective gasp that's about to hit the room."
Eagle, ever composed, flicked a strand of his long black hair behind his shoulder, silver eyes scanning the ballroom entrance like a hawk on patrol. "We'll stay here," he said simply. "No sense crowding the reveal. They need to see you for what you are."
