The room remained frozen in silence long after Alexander spoke.
Snow battered against the tall windows of Ariana's chambers while the fire crackled weakly between the four people standing inside.
Ariana could hear her own heartbeat.
Sebastian stood rigid near the bed curtains, every muscle tense beneath his dark cloak. Serena remained near the doorway, pale with fear.
And Alexander—
Alexander looked terrifyingly calm.
That frightened Ariana more than rage ever could.
"You truly believed," Alexander said softly, "that you could escape me."
His gaze stayed fixed on Ariana alone.
Not Sebastian.
Not Serena.
Only her.
As though the betrayal itself mattered more than the man standing before him.
Ariana forced herself to speak despite the fear tightening in her throat.
"Alexander—"
"No." His voice remained quiet. "Don't lie to me again tonight."
The words sliced through the room.
