Chapter 67: Ruelle - Take It All
Kyllian’s hand flexed around his glass, a silent rehearsal of how easily he could slam it into Damien’s face.
He stood still, not because he lacked a response. Not because the urge to plant his fist into the vampire’s aristocratic jaw wasn’t white-hot. But because Luna was still in the room, and this was not the place, nor the time. Not at her party. Not on the day she was finally laughing again.
A young server tripped over the edge of a rug while balancing a tray of wine glasses. The collective gasp from the nearby guests was immediate, and one unfortunate glass of red wine flew from the tray.
It struck Luna.
A splash of crimson stained the front of her dress in a tragic arc. Luna looked down at the mess, blinked, and exhaled a slow breath through her nose.
"Well," she said with admirable composure, "I guess this dress had a death wish."
The poor server looked like he might pass out. "Your Highness, I...I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean..."
"It’s fine," Luna said gently, already waving it off. "It’s just wine. I’m going to change."
As soon as she disappeared down the corridor, Kyllian turned to Damien. "For your information, I’m helping her remember what it means to live."
Damien arched an eyebrow. "And I’m trying to make sure she doesn’t die."
They stared at each other in silence, both breathing hard, both wearing smiles that didn’t touch their eyes.
A maid approached, awkwardly holding a platter of cake slices between them like a peace offering. Neither of them took one.