Chapter 144

The luxury hotel loomed ahead, its gleaming facade glittering in the early evening light. It was an architectural marvel, with a towering glass structure that reflected the city of Sanctuary in distorted, dazzling fragments. The air buzzed with anticipation, a charged atmosphere that clung to events where power and privilege collided.

Outside the entrance, a long line of photographers and reporters jostled for position, their cameras poised and lenses gleaming. Lights flashed incessantly as guests stepped out of sleek black cars, their designer-clad forms greeted with a cacophony of shouted questions and the snap of shutters. The premier gala of the season was as much a spectacle as it was a gathering of the city’s elite.

Jormun and I arrived in our limousine. It rolled to a smooth stop in front of the carpeted pathway. I could feel his gaze on me even as the door opened and the chauffeur extended a hand.

“You ready for this?” Jormun asked, his low voice cutting th