Chapter 234

DEREK’S POV I stayed in the shadows, unseen, the way I had learned to survive in situations like this. My senses were sharp, every sound magnified—the clinking of glasses, the hum of voices, the fake warmth of laughter echoing across Draven’s hall. And then there was her. Aurelia. She walked in with him, arm wrapped around her waist like she was a trophy to display. I felt my jaw tighten at the sight. She looked radiant in that dress, the jewels glittering against her skin like she was born for the spotlight. The entire room gasped, drinking in the vision of their soon-to-be Luna. And yet, all I could hear were the whispers—the threats—he pressed into her ear when no one else was paying attention. She didn’t flinch, not visibly. She played her part well. Too well. How can she tolerate all this? He is not even that handsome, I mean he is too old for her and I am sure rest of the people can say the same thing about them. I ground my teeth as Draven leaned toward her again, his lips brush