The ballroom glittered with opulence and danger.

Chandeliers dripped with crystals. The air was thick with perfume, secrets, and the tension of rival families pretending not to want each other’s blood. Eyes turned as Xavier and Elena descended the marble stairs, a modern-day king and queen cloaked in shadows.

Elena’s crimson gown shimmered like liquid fire. Her fingers were locked in Xavier’s, her spine straight, her expression unreadable. But inside, her heart pounded like a war drum.

“She looks... different,” whispered one of the Italian dons.

“Stronger,” murmured another.

Xavier held her hand tightly, as if he knew that if he let go, she’d disappear into the crowd—and into danger....