"You've got ten seconds to vanish." Alaric's voice was a blade of fire against the cold air.
The drapes of the decor on the terrace rustled behind him, brushing against the tall candle holder, tugging at the hem of his overcoat on Aveline's shoulder.
Dahlia's golden scarf fluttered dramatically, as if caught in the storm she had created. Her expression wavered, just briefly, before she forced a laugh.
Aveline instinctively reached for Alaric's hand, trying to calm the fury she sensed in his stillness. But her small gesture only poured fuel on the fire in Dahlia's eyes.
"Vanish?" Dahlia echoed, her tone sharp, laced with poison. "Alaric, are you blind? This woman is seducing you in plain sight."
Aveline remained silent, her fingers releasing Alaric's hand. The wind swept a loose strand of hair across her face, and she tucked it behind her ear with quiet elegance. Her eyes flicked to Dahlia, not startled, not shaken, just… observant.
