Selena
The house had been restless all morning. Servants moved quickly through the corridors carrying fabrics, polishing trays, whispering over lists.
The ceremony was only days away, and every sound felt sharper than usual. I had just finished reviewing the final seating arrangement and was on my way to the lower hall to confirm the placement of the elders when I turned a corner too fast.
I walked straight into someone.
Strong hands caught my waist before I could fall back.
For one suspended moment I only felt warmth and strength and the steady pressure of fingers at my sides. My body reacted before my mind did. Then I looked up.
Silas.
The air left my lungs.
He stood there as if he belonged to this house, tall and composed, his expression calm in the way that always suggested co
