The ballroom felt like a canvas painted in tension and disbelief. Murmurs rippled through the gathering, but the undercurrent of unease was palpable. Every noble present had one pressing question circling their minds: What is going on?
Few had the answer, and those who did wore guarded expressions, their thoughts spiraling into memories they dared not share.
Vestian Holdstaffen's eyes remained fixed on Alex's back as they ascended to the first floor. His mind, however, drifted far from the opulent chamber. Memories surged, vivid and cold, dragging him two years into the past.
......…
Two years ago.
It was the time when Vestian and Thomas were captured by Alex, sent to prison, and ruthlessly thrown into the cells by Alenia.