Chapter 48: The Masks We Wear

The initial shock had not left Rian’s face, and his gaze, though outwardly composed, was filled with tension as he stared at Alina. Genevieve beside him still looked equally startled, her fingers clutching the stem of her glass as she struggled to hide her reaction. They had not seen Alina in years, yet here she was, seated beside the king himself, more majestic and composed than Rian could have imagined.

On the other side of the hall, Lyra, who was seated next to Alaric, felt her pulse quicken when she saw Rian and Genevieve’s reactions. Her heart raced, pounding so hard she feared it might give her away. She tugged Alaric’s arm. “Let’s… let’s switch seats,” she whispered hastily, keeping her head down, her voice laced with an urgency that caught his attention.

Alaric glanced at her, slightly surprised. “Are you sure? Is something wrong?”

“Yes, I just… I just don’t feel comfortable with the lights facing me directly. Please, switch with me.”