Chapter 4: The MasqueradeThe black diamonds felt like a cold, heavy collar.Elena stood before the floor-to-ceiling mirror in the east wing, her fingers trembling as she wrestled with the platinum clasp. The stones were a deep, obsidian hue—darker than the shadows pooling in the corners of the room. They didn’t sparkle with the cheerful light of white diamonds; instead, they seemed to absorb the room’s glow, much like the man who had gifted them to her.The dress Killian had selected was a masterpiece of architectural silk. A deep, midnight emerald, it draped over her curves like liquid shadow, held up by impossibly thin straps that felt as though they might snap under the weight of a single, sharp breath. It was a dress designed to be noticed, but more importantly, it was a dress designed to be a statement of ownership."Need help?"The voice came from the doorway, a low baritone vibrating with a familiar, dangerous gravity. Elena didn't turn around. She watched Killian’s reflection
Last Updated : 2026-04-17 Read more