The weight of diplomatic smiles had left tiny fractures across my composure by the time Theo suggested we call it a night. Three hours of circulating through the ballroom—nodding at Lycan ministers whose eyes evaluated me like I was a curiosity, accepting cautious introductions to werewolf alphas who couldn't quite hide their surprise at seeing me on the king's arm—had hollowed out something in me. Not even the warm pressure of Theo's hand at the small of my back could entirely ease the tension coiled between my shoulder blades.
"You've made quite the impression," Theo murmured as we slipped away from a cluster of ancient Lycans whose silver-streaked hair seemed to match the antiquated opinions they'd been sharing moments before. "I believe Lord Cassius nearly swallowed his tongue when yo
