Chapter 49

Seris’s POV

“Are you well, Hermosa?” Ronan murmured, pulling me closer. He must have noticed how pale I’d grown.

Before I could answer, a familiar, smooth voice interrupted. “Good evening, Your Highnesses.” Malrik Corebane stood uncomfortably close, his rough features softened by a practiced smile, though his eyes still glinted with undisguised hatred—at least, I thought I noticed.

“Good evening, Malrik,” Ronan replied, holding me protectively at his side.

I felt a cold tremor run down my spine. Malrik’s gaze lingered on me—first my face, then, for a heartbeat, my bosom—before snapping back. His look spoke louder than any words.

“Your Highness, I am Malrik Corebane of the Core Moon pack,” he announced with a slight bow.

As he spoke, I managed to snatch a glass of champagne from a passing server and downed it in one gulp. A second server bore an empty tray, and I dropped my glass onto it without ceremony. Ronan raised his eyebrows at me, but