The grand ballroom glittered with chandeliers, each crystal casting splinters of light across the gilded walls. Music swirled in the air, violins weaving a melody that spoke of elegance and restraint. But beneath the poised surface of nobility, Aria felt chaos boiling in her veins. Every pair of eyes seemed to follow her as she descended the marble staircase, her gown flowing behind her like a stream of midnight silk. She kept her chin high, her expression carefully composed, but her heart betrayed her — thundering, restless, as if trying to leap toward him.
Darius stood across the room, his tall figure commanding attention even without a crown. His dark hair gleamed beneath the light, his broad shoulders stiff with tension. Their gazes met for the briefest moment — and the world fracture
