Music swelled through the grand hall, drums reverberating beneath Alina’s feet, yet she barely registered the dancers spinning around her. Her focus was on the dangerous currents pulling at her—shadows flickering at Kael’s heels, fire rippling along Riven’s fingers. Every glance and subtle movement between them sent sparks racing through her body, igniting a delicious ache that made her pulse soar. This dance was no mere performance; it was a silent battle of control, power, and desire, and Alina stood squarely in its center.
Kael’s shadow followed her movements, dark and protective, brushing her wrist and arm in fleeting caresses. “Focus,” he murmured, voice low, near her ear. “Do not let him distract you.”
Riven’s golden eyes gleamed from across the room, heat radiating from him in wav
