I walked into the award hall with my head held high despite the weight of grief crushing my chest. Elder Juniper had been right - I couldn't let them erase Violet's memory. The grand ballroom of the Council Hall gleamed with pretentious opulence, crystal chandeliers reflecting light that seemed too bright, too cheerful.
My reflection caught in a decorative mirror. The woman staring back at me looked hollow-eyed and pale, her emerald eyes dulled by pain. I'd barely managed to change into a simple black dress, my chestnut hair pulled back into a neat bun. Nothing flashy - I was in mourning, after all, even if no one else acknowledged it.
I spotted Julian and Natalie near the front row. She was draped over his arm like a gaudy ornament, her scarlet gown cut low and tight, diamonds glittering at her throat. Julian looked every bit the powerful Alpha King in his tailored suit, his broad shoulders straight, his amber eyes focused on the stage. Neither of them had noticed me yet.
