Lilian’s POV
The crimson gown was safely packed away in a specialized garment bag, sealed and guarded by River’s most trusted men.
Since it was barely dawn and the Gala wouldn’t commence until the moon was high, Alexander had provided me with a different kind of armor for the journey to the Spire.
I wore a sleek, tailored charcoal suit beneath a heavy, floor-length black cashmere coat. Much like the dress, the coat’s silk lining was subtly interwoven with fine silver threads…a localized dampener that cooled my skin and helped keep my predatory scent locked tightly behind my ribs.
We walked out of the estate and into the biting morning air, our steps perfectly synchronized. River was already waiting by the open door of an armored, matte-black SUV, his eyes scanning the tree line with th
