Chapter 51

A servant bowed at Cole and Aria when they got out of the car. The doors opened into noise and music spilled through the hall first; low and rich, threaded with laughter and conversation.

Warm lights glimmered off hanging crystal chandeliers and drinking glasses, casting gold over polished floors. The air buzzed with too many conversations at once; politics murmured in careful tones, alliances weighed and measured behind smiles.

Aria blinked. It was really everything Selena promised it would be. She stepped inside and felt every eye that turned to her. Though not all at once and not obviously, the stares came in fragments; lingering glances, quick assessments, whispers that followed her steps. She held her chin high, spine straight, refusing to let the attention rattle her.

Cole noticed and let out a subtle, proud smile. Across the room, Selena stood near a cluster of well-dressed guests, laughing lightly as she spoke. Her eyes caught Aria and her smile widened imm