The night overflowed with opulence and power. In the grand mansion of the Ghali family, luxury was more than a display—it was a reminder of influence. Crystal chandeliers cast golden reflections across marble walls, while laughter and conversations filled the halls with an echo of carefully calculated diplomacy.
Darío and Daesa Ghali, heirs to the family legacy, made their entrance with the solemnity their position demanded. Every step they took, every glance exchanged, was a statement of their standing on the board.
Among the first to approach was Skiller, impeccable in a black suit that highlighted his air of irreverent authority.
"Just passing through. I wouldn't want to make anyone uncomfortable," he said with a sharp smile, leaning slightly toward Daesa. His tone was light, but his words dripped with intent. "It seems Varek won't grace us with his presence on such a grand occasion."
Darío eyed him with a mix of irony and distrust."Leaving so soon?"
Skiller maintained a neutral expression, but his gaze slid from Daesa to Darío with a slowness that felt like a power play in itself.
"Not before complimenting your beauty, Lady Daesa," he said, softly kissing her hand—just enough to elicit a reaction. Darío's eyes narrowed for a split second. "But duty calls. I trust you'll understand."
As Skiller withdrew, Darío followed him with a tense jaw. He muttered quietly to Dimitri, who had been watching silently,"It seems nothing's changed among the infamous Snova brothers."
Dimitri, who rarely wasted words on trivial matters, continued to track Skiller with his eyes—analyzing, calculating.
Then, the main doors opened.
The murmurs died instantly.
Sanathiel stepped in, dressed in a deep navy suit, poised and elegant, Aisha on his arm. No announcement was needed.
Aisha, draped in a black velvet dress that clung to her figure like a second skin, walked with the grace of someone who knew she was being watched.The asymmetrical design revealed a leg up to her thigh and a partially bare back, crossed by delicate golden threads like a spiderweb. With every step, the fabric flowed with a dangerous grace, defying the solemnity of the Council itself.
Grandfather Ghali rose, his smile radiating approval."Welcome, Sanathiel. It's an honor to receive you."
Sanathiel dipped his head respectfully, but kept his hand firm at Aisha's waist—a subtle gesture that left no doubt as to his position."The honor is ours," he replied in a steady voice.
Among the guests, the hostess—a woman with an inquisitive gaze—approached them with polite charm."It must be quite the challenge adapting to this new life," she said, her tone civil but laced with curiosity, like someone inspecting a rare creature.
Aisha was ready to respond, but Sanathiel was quicker. He interrupted gently but with unmistakable authority."Aisha has remarkable strength. She adapts to any situation with ease."
The hostess lifted a curious eyebrow, clearly studying the dynamic between them.
Golden light from the chandeliers bathed the hall in a hypnotic glow. But to Aisha, the beauty of the place felt oppressive. Every person who approached, every kind word wrapped in thorns, felt like a veiled test.
She knew they were analyzing her. Weighing her gestures, posture, expression. Because to them, she wasn't a guest…
Skiller, now beside her, tilted his head with a casual smile."I'm surprised you agreed to come. This isn't exactly your kind of place."
Aisha let out a soft chuckle."You're right. But Sanathiel insisted. And when he insists, it's hard to say no. Besides, you look different in that tux—like a wedding cake topper." She laughed under her breath.
Skiller studied her in silence, his expression more serious than usual."Is that a compliment or a warning? Either way, I liked it. But… what about what you want?" he asked quietly.
Aisha opened her mouth to respond, but Dimitri cut in, wearing his usual smirk."Interesting company you keep, Skiller. If I didn't know better, I'd say you're playing with fire."
Aisha arched a brow, not even bothering to hide her disdain."Does that worry you, Dimitri?"
The Snova heir smiled, but his gaze sharpened."I'm just intrigued by how you move among wolves. One day with Varek, then under Skiller's protection… and now, with Sanathiel."
Sanathiel appeared as if summoned. His presence shifted the energy in the room, forcing Dimitri to straighten slightly."I hope you're not accusing my fiancée of something you'll regret, Dimitri."
Dimitri raised his hands in mock innocence."Accuse her? Not at all. Just making observations. Some people seem… indispensable to every major player in this game."
Sanathiel stepped forward, closing the gap."If you insist on treating her like a trophy, you'll have to deal with me."
The tension in the room spiked. Aisha could feel the eyes around them like invisible knives.
Dimitri kept his composure, but his smile thinned."Easy, White Wolf. I was merely commenting."
Before leaving, Dimitri cast one last glance at Aisha—calculating, edged."Just be careful… Not all bonds bring power. Some… consume."