Grand Dining Hall –
The chandeliers glittered. Soft jazz played. Wine flowed like water.
Everyone looked their best—except Kyan.
He stood near the corner, barely breathing.
Eyes swollen. Lips pressed shut.
He hadn't said a word since the letter.
> "Come to me tonight, Nico. Let me mark what's mine. —Ariana"
It haunted him.
And now? He had to watch Nico across the long table—laughing, smirking, sipping wine like nothing mattered.
Except Nico knew he was being watched.
And he was enjoying it.
---
Nico leaned toward a blonde Salvatore guest. She giggled. He whispered something in her ear that made her blush hard.
He didn't even look at Kyan.
Not once.
But he knew.
He picked up a cherry, popped it in his mouth, then licked his finger slow.
Softie choked on air.
Santi noticed from across the room.
Smiled darkly.
Good.
Let them both drown.
---
Halfway through the meal—
Kyan walked past Nico's chair with a bottle of wine, hand trembling slightly.
Just one look.
