Snowflakes drifted like ash over Silverflame Keep.
Tonight was the Alliance masquerade—an annual show of unity. But beneath the velvet masks and jeweled gowns, tension buzzed like a blade on bone.
Sera stood before the mirror as Mira laced her corset.
“I hate these things," Mira muttered. “Pretty cages."
Sera didn't respond. Her hands trembled as she fastened her ivory mask.
Mira hesitated. “You don't have to go."
Sera wrote:
*He'll be surrounded.*
Mira sighed. “Right. So you'll watch his back while he pretends you're still the enemy."
Sera smiled faintly. Then wrote:
*That's what allies do.*
---
The ballroom glittered—crystal chandeliers, polished marble, music floating like silk.
Noah entered wearing a silver wolf mask. His gaze scanned the crowd but didn't linger.
Sera fol
