#Chapter 17: The Necklace

Elara My heart instantly tensed as Asher’s last statement made all the surrounding eyes turn to us. All around me, the whispers of the skeptical crowd seemed to close in, like vultures swarming a dying rabbit. I could feel my palms growing clammy, my face becoming hot. I needed to escape. Without a second thought, I let go of Alaric’s hand and made my way toward the grand double doors of the ballroom. The moment I stepped outside, the cool night air enveloped me, offering a brief respite from the stifling atmosphere inside. I leaned against the brick wall and took a deep breath, letting the crisp scent of pine and the distant murmur of the city calm my racing heart. “Get it together, Elara,” I whispered to myself, wrapping my arms around my waist. After a few moments, I started to feel better. Figuring that the girls might be looking for me by now, I smoothed down my dress and turned toward the ballroom again. But just as I turned to head back insid