The champagne tower caught the light from the crystal chandelier, sending sparkles dancing across the room, while the air reeked of cold hors d'oeuvres and cloying perfume. I was Leah Thorne, standing in the most out-of-the-way corner of the ballroom—like some old forgotten furniture nobody even bothered to haul away. The outdated dress I had on? Marcus Bloodclaw just tossed it to me three years back, no thought at all.

The crystal chandelier’s light stabbed my eyes.The champagne tower glinted with fake elegance, and the air reeked of overly sweet food and loud chatter. This was supposed to be my engagement party with Richard Gray—until he stepped onto the stage holding another woman’s hand.

The champagne tower caught the light from the crystal chandelier, sending sparkles dancing across the room, while the air reeked of cold hors d'oeuvres and cloying perfume. I was Leah Thorne, standing in the most out-of-the-way corner of the ballroom—like some old forgotten furniture nobody even bothered to haul away. The outdated dress I had on? Marcus Bloodclaw just tossed it to me three years back, no thought at all.

The crystal chandelier’s light stabbed my eyes.The champagne tower glinted with fake elegance, and the air reeked of overly sweet food and loud chatter. This was supposed to be my engagement party with Richard Gray—until he stepped onto the stage holding another woman’s hand.