"Miss Arielle Dunn," the Lunar Gala host announced loudly, his voice echoing across the glittering hall, "the daughter of Richard Dunn, esteemed Alpha of the Blackstone pack. Escorted by Raiden Wayne!"
The crowd erupted in polite applause, their hungry eyes glued to the descending couple as they gracefully made their way down the sweeping stairs at the center of the banquet hall. Arielle gritted her teeth, forcing all her swirling emotions into that single, careful descent, silently praying she wouldn't trip and make a spectacle of herself.
"Don't worry," Raiden leaned in, his voice low and taunting, brushing against her ear, "I won't let you fall."
Arielle's frown deepened, a shiver of discomfort running down her spine. His words were accurate—too accurate—and they dredged up a memory from her past life. Just like back then, he had promised she wouldn't fall… only to shove her straight into the hands of death.
