C236 THE PRINCE'S CHALLENGE

The night had become colder, yet the coldness did not come from the wind. It came from expectation—thick and heavy, pressing onto every soul present.

Aria’s heart pounded like a battle drum, the sense of raw anticipation crawling across her skin. Damon’s presence behind her was solid, grounding, yet it did not erase the tension flowing from the young prince standing just feet away