I came to this stupid ball to help Arlen, but I am already starting to regret it. Everything is so boring and pretentious. The dragons are all strutting around like they own the place, and the music is so slow and dull that I’m half-asleep on my feet. I’ve been standing in the corner for what feels like hours, nursing a glass of wine that tastes more like vinegar than anything else and trying to avoid making eye contact with anyone.
Especially Tristan.
He’s been hovering nearby all night, his eyes flicking to me every so often like he’s waiting for me to acknowledge him. But I’m not ready for that conversation. Not yet. Not when every time I look at him, I’m reminded of our mate bond, and my dragon is restless to mark him.
“You could at least try to look like you’re enjoying yourself,
