**LILA’S POV**

The final night at Velvet Chains felt like the end of one life and the beginning of another.

The club was closed to the public, but a small, trusted group of members had been invited — people Jax had known for years, people who understood the sacred weight of a collaring ceremony. The main floor was dimly lit with deep crimson and gold, candles flickering on every surface, soft leather couches arranged in a loose circle around the raised platform in the center.

I stood backstage with Jax, heart hammering so hard I could feel it in my throat.

I wore nothing but a sheer black lace robe...