Seraphina's POV
The ballroom was filled with the smell of expensive lilies and the sound of a string quartet playing a slow tune that was supposed to be romantic, but the air felt thick and uncomfortable because half the guests were whispering about the Alpha’s sudden departure and the other half were staring at the empty seat where Zara’s father used to sit during council meetings. I kept a tight smile on my face while I adjusted the silk gloves covering my hands and I looked over at Damien who was standing by the punch bowl with a glass of dark amber liquid that he hadn't put down once since the party started two hours ago, and his face looked pale and drawn as if he hadn't slept a wink since we watched the carriage pull away from the stables. My father was moving through the crowd an
