Selene’s POV

The glass cup clinked softly against the table as I set it down, my fingers trembling just enough to betray my nerves. I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand, the faint taste of wine lingering on my lips.

“Are you alright?” Caius’s voice was low, cutting through the quiet hum of the room.

I nodded, barely, my eyes fixed on the table’s polished grain.

“Are you sure?” he pressed, his tone softer now, almost coaxing.

I sighed, my shoulders sagging under the weight of thoughts I couldn’t shake. Forcing a laugh, I met his gaze, his dark eyes catching the dim light like polished obsidian....