|CIRCE|
Dax’s grip on my arm was an iron manacle wrapped in velvet. He guided me through the glittering sea of bodies with an effortless grace, nodding at acquaintances, a king moving through his court.
I was a prop, an accessory, my feet moving automatically as he steered me deeper into his world. The smiles he received were a mix of respect and fear. I was now attached to that fear, a satellite caught in his dark orbit.
We hadn’t taken ten steps before a portly, white-haired man in a tuxedo that was a size too tight intercepted us, a broad, political smile plastered on his face.
“Dax! Good to see you back on home soil,” the man boomed, clapping Dax on the shoulder.
“Senator.” Dax’s reply came smooth as polished stone, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. “A pleasure to see you as
