Third person's POV
The hall was drowned in light and music, but Rowan’s world had gone utterly still.
His gaze never wavered. He hadn’t expected the sight to hit him so hard, the sight of her. Liora. The poised, self-assured woman on the runway was a far cry from the trembling, guarded girl he had once known. Under the spotlight, she looked untouchable. The blue gown she wore shimmered like liquid under the lights, hugging her shape before flowing loose in silk waves behind her. Each step she took commanded attention — the kind that couldn’t be faked or taught. She didn’t just walk the runway; she owned it.
Rowan’s fingers tightened around the glass in his hand. He didn’t even realize he was holding his breath until his chest began to ache. The murmur of the audience faded into
