ALPHA XAVIER POV

Dinner with Alanna was splendid. I had her and her officials on one side of the long dining table, and a few of my top officials on the other side. The musician Isabel had hired on the day night before she was accused of selling important information was playing background music as conversations swirled around.

I found myself captivated by Alanna and wanted to spend every moment in her presence. Soon, Alaric suggested a dance with one of Alanna's officers, who looked more handsome than beautiful. And with that began an evening of fun and happiness. The music soon changed to an allegro vivace and everyone was...