Ara’s POV
The moment Damon’s mark burned into my skin, the entire hall shifted.
Whispers filled the air like smoke.
Every gaze—curious, jealous, stunned—landed on me. I felt their judgment, their disbelief, their fury. Damon stepped away briefly to speak with General Draven, and like clockwork, Seraphina made her move.
She glided toward me, lips curled in a smile too sweet to be sincere.
“Unbelievable,” she said coolly. “I didn’t think I’d see you here again.”
I met her gaze, calm and collected. “And yet, here I am, my queen,” I replied with a smile.
“How dare you show up?” she hissed, her mask slipping for a brief second.
I leaned in slightly, voice low and edged with steel. “Surprised? That little trick of yours didn’t work. Damon still came—for me and our pup.”
For a flicker o
