Thorns of the midnight rose

liers. Nobles in their finest silks and jewels danced, drank, and laughed, their voices merging in

en-black hair was swept into an elaborate bun, a single diamond pin glinting like a shard of ice. Her piercing

n. She was a predator among prey, cloa

ng into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. Duke Alaric, her former betro

e smooth as velvet. "How kind of yo

g, but Seraphine saw the malice lurking beneath. He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "

I assure you, I forget

round the stem of her wine glass. He was testing her, as always, reminding her of his

ng the part

man she didn't recognize-tall, broad-shouldered, with dark hair and a dangerous smirk. His

lly, masking her intrigue. "Who are y

n. Let's just say I'm here on business. Though I must admit

en commotion near the grand doors drew everyone's atten

gasped, collapsi

. Seraphine's heart raced, not with fear, but with cold, calculated p

Cassian, I suggest you prove

strategizing. Tonight had been meant for observation, but fate had other plans

o wou