Nolan POV
The cocktail hour was in full swing, the clink of crystal and the low hum of conversation filling the palace’s great hall. Lanterns of cut glass reflected light onto the polished floors, throwing fractured colors across the crowd of alphas and lunas weaving in and out of little circles of conversation.
I wasn’t paying attention to any of it.
My eyes followed Ellie as she moved through the party. I hadn’t wanted to let her leave my side, but I couldn’t justify following her like a lost puppy all night either.
She was standing with Alaric near the far side of the hall, her posture graceful, her expression politely engaged as he spoke.
Cassian hovered nearby, ever watchful, though keeping his distance. The moonlight silk of Ellie’s dress caught the light with every small move
