|| Lilac's POV ||
The drive back home was quiet, the hum of the car’s engine the only sound breaking the silence. My head felt heavy, a dull ache settling behind my eyes. I hadn’t swallowed much of the drugged wine, but even the small amount that had touched my lips was enough to make me feel off. My stomach churned, and a strange heat began to spread through my body, making me restless. I leaned my head against the cool window, trying to focus on the conversation with my father.
“What an evening we had,” Dad said, his voice breaking the silence. His tone was light, but I could hear the underlying tension. He was trying to distract me, to keep me grounded.
“Yeah,” I replied, forcing a small smile. “Kael will be all over the media again.”
Dad chuckled, though there was no humor in it. “
