The words cut through the moment. Though she avoided eye contact, Caroline's attention was unmistakably fixed on the bed, on the sounds Selene could no longer seem to suppress.
"What is this about? I didn't give you permission to be here," Alistair snapped, irritation roughening his voice.
He caught sight of Selene's flushed ears and nearly laughed, his grip tightening as if to anchor her—before stopping altogether.
"Oh… ah…"
Her embarrassment softened, giving way to something darker, more dangerous. This was part of her act, to get to Alistair's good side.
Caroline's presence no longer mattered. She only wanted to hold on—to him, to the feeling, to the moment before it slipped away.
"Vince is outside, my lord," the maid continued evenly.
Alistair stilled completely.
Vince stood among the noble vampire lords—one of the few remaining allies from the conservative faction.
