~ELENA~

The moment Alessandro says my name, I know everything is about to spiral.

The crowd parts like waves as Alessandro steps forward, walking toward me, his mask now hanging loosely in one hand, his eyes locked on me with something fierce and unsteady.

For a heartbeat, the music keeps playing…. violins echoing through the hall, soft and haunting, but no one’s dancing anymore. Everyone’s watching.

My pulse spikes.

Behind me, I feel Nico go rigid. His hand tightens at my waist, possessive, warning.

This can’t be happening. Not here.

“Alessandro…” I whisper, trying to move toward him, but Nico’s hand tightens around my waist, hard enough to make me...