Devan

The gala is loud, but the space between you and Davin feels like a silent vacuum. You’ve been married for a month—a deal made by his grandfather—and tonight was supposed to be your first public appearance as a couple. ​When the orchestra starts a slow waltz, his grandfather's eyes burn into Davin’s back, a silent command to dance with his wife. Davin hesitates, his hand almost reaching for yours, but then Elena—his cousin and the woman he almost married—slips her hand into his arm. ​"Davin, you remember this song, right?" Elena whispers, her eyes locking onto his with a familiar intimacy. She doesn't even look at you. ​Davin glances at you, waiting. He expects a frown, a sharp word, or at least a flicker of jealousy in your eyes. But you just stand there, looking effortlessly stunning as