I saw her almost immediately. She was standing near a marble pillar with Sienna and two other girls I didn't recognize. Maya looked beautiful in a simple black dress that hugged her curves in a way that made my chest tighten, but her eyes were still guarded, scanning the room with that familiar, restless energy. I felt the familiar, toxic surge of the "Hollow King" take over. If I couldn't have her love, I would have her attention. I would force her to see me, even if it was through a lens of hatred. I walked toward the group, my posture radiating the cold entitlement that came with my name. I didn't look at Maya. I didn't acknowledge Sienna. Instead, I turned my focus to one of the girls standing next to them—a pretty girl with blonde hair and a smile that suggested she’d bee

