The doors had just closed behind Charles when he stopped walking.
The two Thunder Storm warriors on either side of him tugged gently.
“Keep moving," one murmured. “Don't make this worse, Charles."
Worse.
The word snapped something inside him.
He jerked his arms free with a sudden burst of strength. The warriors cursed, grabbing for him, but he was already twisting away, back toward the hall.
“Charles!" one of them barked. “Don't—"
He shoved the door open and strode back inside.
The music hadn't started again yet. The guests were scattered in uneasy clusters, speaking in low voices. Aaron still stood in the center beneath the chandelier, Daisy at his side.
Every head turned as Charles came back in.
His hair was mussed, his suit rumpled. His golden eyes burned.
“Charles," Aaron sa
