The crowd gradually pulled back to form a perfect circle.
The music hadn't started yet.
But the dancers were already in position.
Couples aligned side by side. Smiles plastered. Postures straight. Gowns fanned. Suits crisp.
Autumn stood still, her hand perched stiffly on Velor's arm, her other hand locked in his grip.
She could feel the weight of every gaze in the room pressing against her spine…Or maybe she was imagining it.
Because there was definitely one gaze that burnt across the circle.
Kieran there stood with Lyla.Like something about his entire body refused to bend into the performance.
Autumn saw it.
Because she couldn't stop looking.
And Kieran?His eyes hadn't left her… not for a single moment.
Even now, with Lyla's soft hand resting in his, her slender arm looped delicately around his shoulder…he was miles away.
The music started.
A soft violin. A slow melody.