Bring Him to His Knees
"I didn't mean to crowd you."
It is a partial lie, and we both know it.
Sloane turns slowly, leaning her back against the granite rail. Up close, without the glow of the lanterns filtering through the trees, I can see the faint shadows beneath her eyes, the lingering physical toll of the sanctuary. But despite the exhaustion, there is a steady, quiet authority to her now.
"It's loud inside," she whispers softly, watching me.
"Thane certainly knows how to throw a party," I offer, taking a slow step closer. "Though I doubt the wine will hold out until midnight at this rate."