A Shadow in the Crowd
The ballroom was filled with golden light from the chandeliers, giving it a warm glow. The air smelled of expensive champagne and quiet ambition. Laughter and conversation flowed through the crowd, everyone pretending to be something they weren't. But no one was better at hiding than me.
I stood in the shadows, unseen but watching.
Damian Nellie was at the center of it all, standing tall and commanding attention. Every word, every movement was calculated. He smiled, but it never reached his eyes.
He hadn't noticed me yet.
But I saw him.
A wave of emotions rushed through me—anger, longing, something else I didn't want to name. He looked different. Or maybe I did. Time had changed both of us. I gripped my champagne glass, letting its coolness steady me.
"Enjoying the view?"
A voice whispered near my ear, but I didn't react. Caden Zeeh. He always had a way of sneaking up on people. He leaned against a marble pillar, his drink in hand, looking completely at ease.
"It's quite the show," I said, taking a sip. "He plays his role well."
Caden studied me with sharp blue eyes. "And you? Are you playing a role too, Celeste? Or is this the real you?"
I tilted my head, a slight smile forming. "A little of both. Isn't that how the game works?"
Caden smirked but said nothing. He, like me, was a shadow in this world—watching, waiting. But unlike me, he wasn't burdened by unfinished business.
Damian moved closer. A woman in a red dress clung to his arm, laughing too loudly. Just another pawn in his game. I clenched my glass tighter.
I turned to Caden. "Do you think he ever looks over his shoulder? Wonders when the past will catch up to him?"
Caden's expression darkened. "If he doesn't, he should."
Damian was just a few feet away now. I could feel his presence before he even turned toward me. And when our eyes finally met, the room seemed to freeze.
Recognition flickered in his gaze, followed by something else. Surprise? No, he was too controlled for that. He recovered quickly, his lips curving into a knowing smile.
"Celeste."
I let the silence stretch before answering. "Damian."
The woman on his arm glanced between us, sensing the tension but not understanding it. She tightened her grip on him, but Damian's focus was already locked on me.
"I didn't know you were back," he said smoothly.
"There's a lot you don't know."
His smirk didn't reach his eyes. "And whose fault is that?"
The air between us crackled with unspoken words, past wounds reopening. I refused to be the first to break.
Caden, ever the observer, finally pushed off the pillar. "Well, this is fun, but I'll let you two catch up. Try not to kill each other."
He disappeared into the crowd, leaving me alone with Damian.
Damian studied me carefully. "I almost didn't recognize you."
I raised an eyebrow. "Liar."
He chuckled softly. "Maybe."
For a brief moment, the past threatened to consume us. I could still feel the sting of his betrayal. But he had underestimated me before. That wouldn't happen again.
"Are you here for me?" he asked in a low voice.
I stepped closer, close enough to catch the familiar scent of his cologne. "Would you like that, Damian?"
His jaw tightened. "You tell me."
I smiled, slow and deliberate. "Let's just say, I never leave things unfinished."
For the first time that night, uncertainty flickered in his eyes.
Good.
A hand touched his shoulder, pulling him away for a second. The woman. I had almost forgotten she was still there. He turned slightly but kept his eyes on me.
"Celeste—"
"Enjoy your evening, Damian," I said, stepping back into the shadows.
I felt his gaze follow me as I disappeared into the crowd, my heart pounding.
This was just the beginning.
And Damian had no idea what was coming for him.