Ayla's POVI kept myself calm and acted as if nothing was wrong; the cup in my hand was just a cup, and the room full of watching eyes was just a room.I lifted the cup to my lips, and the taste hit immediately. It was far too sweet, almost sickly, and underneath it was something else—a faint metallic edge.My tongue stilled instantly, but I kept my face completely neutral."Don’t drink that," Tala snarled, but I had already taken a sip—not much, but enough to know I shouldn’t have.Zander moved beside me with a soft smile, his eyes warm and friendly. "Come on, let me introduce you to everyone. They’ve been very excited to meet you." His hand gestured to everyone in the room, pulling unwanted attention to me. He led me forward, and I followed, aware that stopping now would draw even more attention and raise questions.Zander began to introduce me, but the faces around me started to blur together, and the names and voices became overwhelming and too fast."She’s beautiful," one said."
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