Chapter 101: Present

I downed the last of my drink in one gulp, the liquid fire providing a burst of determination. Leaving the balcony behind, I scanned the crowded hall for Layla's familiar figure, but she seemed to have vanished into the sea of faces. As I made my way to the hall's main door, I exchanged pleasantries with those who greeted me.

Approaching the door, our eyes locked – Nicholas's and mine – until the moment was quickly interrupted by the council members vying for his attention. The guards on the door bowed at me and I just smiled at them as I walked down the hallway. Moving through the corridor, the echoes of the party faded into the distance until I reached a guest room.

Standing in front of the guest room door, I hesitated, sensing an eerie stillness in the dimly lit corridor. Everything felt odd, confirming my suspicions of a trap.

Closing my eyes for a moment, I utilized my shifter ability, focusing on sensing the faint presence of three people inside the room.

Taking a stea