Thalia’s POV:
As the music swelled and laughter filled the hall, my throat tightened. I kept my eyes down, but I could feel him.
His presence was like a fire beneath my skin, drawing me in, pulling me toward him even when I knew I shouldn’t look.
But I did.
I risked a glance, just one.
And I caught him watching me.
Across the glittering room, past the nobles and silks and chandeliers — his gaze was locked on me.
Not Valerie.
Not the noble alphas or their perfect mates.
Me.
It was brief. A flicker. A ghost of something unreadable in his eyes.
Then it was gone. He turned away as if it had never happened.
As if I didn’t exist.
Still, my pulse thundered in my ears. My grip on the tray tightened until my knuckles ached.
"Stop staring," I muttered to myself. "He doesn’t care. He’l
