self to breathe

ghter, but her skin still prickled with unease. Maria was too busy sipping ch

herself edging toward the edge of the ballroom, where the c

t. Just one moment

g away

eaded with quiet authority. It

ightening on her clutch

ano stood

line and power. His face was cut from sharp angles, every line precise, as if the world itself dared not mar his

, her voice faltering. "

s behind her, then back to her face. "Th

inked. "E

ead, watching her over the rim of the glass. Th

stinct screamed at her to leav

soft, almost casual, but they cut thro

allowed.

st, maybe even approval. His lips curved in the fainte

excitement. "Sophia! There you are-" She stopped abruptly when her eyes landed on Adrian. Her e

murmured, almost

slightly, acknowledging Maria with the barest nod. Then, without

e second he was gone. "Do you

d. Her heart still pou

hief. "And he talked to you. Do

ughts tangled in chaos-half fear, half... s

things she hadn't before. Guards murmuring into earpieces. A man slipping a hand beneath his jacket f

y felt fragile, like glass stretched too

ward the far end of the hall, she foun

ssion wasn't unreada