Laughter rippled faintly through the ballroom. Soft, fleeting notes that somehow managed to cut through the music and chatter.
Little Rose was twirling, dancing with her mother at the side. Her small hands holding onto her mother's like it was a lifeline underneath the glittering chandeliers. Lucien clung to my skirts, babbling nonsense that made Rayna laughed.
Around us, mortals and immortals kept a careful distance. Right at the opposite ends of the ballroom, their steps formed an invisible border. Even when the orchestra tried hard, playing a song meant to unite.
I bent to steady Lucien when he wobbled, my smile slipping as I felt the weight of a gaze behind me. That same, familiar presence I've been trying to avoid for years. Sharp as memory.
"Rosie."
Her voice came from behind me, even and deliberate. Barely rising above the strings.
