Eliara's POV
The night after the gala felt like a hangover of emotions.
Back at the Lancaster estate, I walked barefoot across the marble floors, I have long abandoned my heels, the echo of my speech lingered in my mind on repeat, the shock on Serena’s face, the clenched jaw of Alexander, the pride in Jasail’s eyes, I can still see them all.
But beneath the satisfaction, there was something else, a slow, crawling dread.
I found myself standing in front of the conservatory’s glass wall, staring into the dark garden beyond. Rain pattered lightly against the panes. My reflection stared back at me, pale and solemn.
“You should be asleep,” Jasail’s voice said softly behind me
I didn’t turn but I answered back at him . “So should you.”
He walked closer. “You were magnificent tonight.”
“
