The music floated, violin and harp intertwined in a delicate waltz that echoed through the candlelit treetops. Couples swayed, nobles toasted, and the smell of roses and red wine filled the air.
Luna turned to Damien, her eyes reflecting the shimmer of fairy lights. "Dance with me," she said.
Damien looked at her for a moment. He took her hand and led her to the dance floor.
They moved slowly, in rhythm with the soft waltz, their bodies close but their hearts apart. Luna's fingers curled around his hand. She wanted to say something, anything, but the music and the eyes of the court held her tongue hostage.
A border guard cut through the crowd. "Your Highness," he said, bowing low, his breath uneven. "There is someone at the border to see Alpha Kyllian. He says it's quite urgent."
Damien's brow lifted. "Who?"
The guard hesitated. "Beta Talon."
"Talon?" Luna echoed, blinking. "That's odd."
