Cameras flashed like fireworks, voices called out names I didn't recognize, and questions buzzed around us like flies.
But Lucian stayed close, hand steady at my back, his low voice grounding me.
"You're doing amazing," he murmured between answering questions from reporters and posing for pictures.
"They're all staring," I whispered, doing my best to keep from squinting or flat-out closing my eyes against all the dazzling bursts of light.
"If two stars took human form and walked the red carpet, would you, too, not stare?" he asked.
I huffed a laugh. "You're ridiculously good at this."
He leaned in, warm breath brushing my ear. "Only when I mean it."
We reached the end of the carpet, and just as the staff greeted us with polite bows, I felt the air shift.
It was ab
