Samantha stood outside the grand oak doors of her family’s home, her hands clenched into fists at her sides, hidden beneath the flowing sleeves of her dress while one of the staff went to announce her arrival. Her heart thudded like a drum, each beat reverberating in her chest. She drew in a sharp breath, schooling her features into calm neutrality. This was not the moment to falter.
Beside her, Xander stood tall, his piercing gaze scanning the intricate carvings on the door as though they held some secret he could unravel. His posture was relaxed, the faintest smirk playing on his lips.
“Don’t be afraid.” Samantha said, her voice softer than she intended but laced with urgency.
Xander turned to her, his eyes narrowing with a mixture of amusement and understanding. “I’m not the one trem
