Isadora POV
It felt strange being at a masquerade party and not wearing a mask. I clenched Cassian’s arm as we stood behind the door. Dressed in a deep burgundy A-line gown that flowed elegantly behind me, I tried my best to stand tall, to project confidence even though my nerves were frayed.
I was nervous really, I mean who wouldn't be when the last one I attended, I had almost been arrested, but I couldn’t show it—not in front of Cassian, not in front of anyone.
“Chin up,” Cassian murmured beside me, his voice a soft command.
“My chin is already up,” I retorted, my tone sharper than I intended. I couldn’t help it—his constant directives grated on my already stretched patience.
“Is it?” he asked, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. His eyes sparkled with amusement, clearly e
