The next evening, Elara stood beneath the golden lights of the Hotel Renard ballroom, the picture of refinement. Her hair fell in soft waves, her dress the colour of champagne, her lips painted with a subtle smile that could charm anyone.
A charity gala — the kind of event that drew politicians, lawyers, and high-profile business owners. Many of them were exactly the kind of people she despised. But tonight wasn’t about killing. Tonight was about hiding in plain sight.
She moved gracefully between guests, her laughter light and genuine to anyone listening. She discussed art, spoke warmly about community work, and clinked glasses with donors. Not a single soul here would have believed that her hands had ended two lives just twenty-four hours ago.
Across the room, Cade lingered by the bar
