Kennedy POV
I twirled under my cousin Kiera’s arm, both of us laughing like we were twelve again in my Nonna’s backyard instead of dressed up in gowns at a wedding reception. The music pulsed through the room, and for a brief moment, it felt like nothing else existed outside of this hall. No history, no confusion, no guilt—just music, lights, and the warmth of family.
“I forgot how fun you are when you’re not being all serious and mysterious,” Kiera teased, nudging me as we kept moving to the beat.
“I’m not mysterious,” I laughed, swaying my hips and flipping my hair back just to mess with her.
“Right,” she snorted. “Just secretive. Same thing.”
She dipped dramatically, making me laugh again, and as she came back up, her eyes suddenly darted past me. Her expression shifted instantly.
