Riley:
The opera hall was alive.
Golden light spilled from the chandeliers, casting a warm glow that seemed almost otherworldly. Despite the splendor surrounding me, it was Cade's presence that consumed my attention. I should have been captivated by the opulence, but all I could focus on was him—his nearness twisting my insides, making my pulse drum in my ears.
His presence pressed on me, heavy as iron, sharp as glass, even without his touch. Every breath, every shadow, reminded me he was watching.
We had been close before—close in fights, close in fury, close in silences that cut like blades—but this was different. The opera box was too small, too private, too gilded. It made the air between us dangerous.
I pressed into the velvet railing, the stage below a glowing realm just out of
