I blinked, trying to process what had just happened. Who was he? And why did his presence feel so… familiar? I shook my head, pushing the thought away. This wasn’t the time to get distracted. I had a party to attend and a façade to maintain.
---
As I entered the lounge, the dim lights and soft music set a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Eamon’s celebration was in full swing, the pack’s elites gathered in clusters, laughing and chatting over drinks. I scanned the room and spotted Aldric almost immediately, standing near the bar, his expression unreadable as always.
But I didn’t go to him.
Instead, I walked toward the back of the lounge, keeping my distance. The less I had to deal with his icy demeanor tonight, the better. I could feel his eyes following me as I moved, but I pretended not to notice. I wasn’t going to play his game.
Eamon, ever the life of the party, spotted me from across the room and waved enthusiastically. He broke away from his conversation and made his way over, his broad grin lighting up his face.
“Selene! You made it!” he exclaimed, wrapping me in a quick, friendly hug. “I wasn’t sure if you’d show.”