Ian’s POV
The dining hall of DuskHowl Dominion was carved from ice and arrogance. Marble pillars speared the vaulted ceiling, veins of silver threading through them like luxury bleeding. Crystal chandeliers dangled like threats, their glinting teardrops watching in cold judgment.
And I sat beneath them.
Wrapped in a navy tunic Kaelric had handpicked, I felt like a doll trussed up for auction. The fabric hugged too tightly. Like a costume for a role I didn’t choose. The banquet table stretched on forever, drowning in golden plates stacked with fruits, meats, and wines that tasted like secrets.
Kaelric lounged at the head like a king too bored to rule. Lazhara and an unsmiling woman were fanned like royalty, while Shabari sat stiff, his fingers dancing over his fork like he was disse
