Olivia's POV
The wine glass tilted in her hand, the crimson liquid splashing across the floor as she gasped. The sharp edge of the broken glass cut across her palm.
Blood.
It hit the air instantly.
Rich. Sweet. Potent.
My wolf stiffened at the scent, but it was Frederick who reacted most violently. His head snapped toward her, his nostrils flaring. His grip on my waist slackened as his pupils dilated, dark and hungry.
Selene clutched her hand dramatically, the crimson dripping between her fingers. "Oh—excuse me," she murmured softly, her voice carrying just enough tremor to draw attention.
Several nobles gasped. A servant moved forward with a cloth—
But Frederick was already moving.
"Wait," he commanded sharply, his voice slicing through the chatter. In two long strides, he reached her side, his hand catching her wrist before the servant could touch her.
His eyes locked on the wound, his lips parting as he inhaled deeply and greedily.
