The first thing she noticed was the silence.
Not the absence of sound, but the kind that pressed against her ears like velvet-gloved hands. Too smooth. Too still. Like the world was holding it's breath.
Allegra Virelli opened her eyes.
She was lying on a velvet chaise-pale gold, antique, and unfamiliar. The ceiling above her shimmered with a crystal Chandelier, its faceted gems throwing fractured light across a marble ceiling.
This wasn't her penthouse.
This wasn't her anything.
She sat up fast. Her silk gown slipped off her shoulder, and her bare feet met cold stone tiles. Her skin prickled. Her heart began to race.
Where the hell was she?
The room was absurdly luxurious: white marble floors with champagne veining, cream silk drapes, a gilded vanity that mirrored her wide, panicked eyes. Everything looked expensive, curated. But the air was wrong. The windows were sealed shut. No sound of traffic. No sunlight. No city noise.
Then she looked down.
A silver cuff circled her left ankle -delicate, slim, but locked. A soft blue light blinked from it.
Her breath was caught.
Not a dream. Not a party. Not a spa.
This was something else.
A soft knock echoed from the door. Before she could answer, it opened.
A woman stepped inside.
Tall. Immaculate. Dressed in a deep navy sheath dress with pearl buttons and gloves that reached to the elbow. Her hair was platinum, pulled into a tight chignon. She didn't smile.
"Miss Virelli", the woman said.
"You're awake".
Allegra stood. "Where am I? Who are you? What the hell is this?"
The woman didn't flinch. "You are in a holding chamber below the Council Court".
Allegra blinked. "Council what?"
"You have been summoned to appear before the Twelve for crimes committed against the Circle", the woman said calmly. "Specifically, the death of Mr. Leo D' Aragon".
A room roaring sound filled Allegra's ears. She stepped back, gripping the chaise.
"I didn't - he's - Leo is --"
"Deceased", the woman finished for her. "And you, Miss Virelli, have been accused of his murder".
They led her down a long hallway with no windows, no guards, and no sound.
Just whispers.
The kind you feel in your bones before you hear with your ears.
At the end of the corridor, two black -paneled doors stood like monoliths. As they opened, Allegra's breath caught.
A court room. But not like anything she'd seen.
The gallery was empty, but the walls gleamed with polished wood and gold inlay. At the center sat twelve leather chairs arranged in a semi-circle. The jury.
She recognized some of them instantly.
The sharp cheekbones of Arabella Vexley, her former best friend turned stranger. The silver hair of Harlan Miret, real estate magnate. The tilt of a chin that looked like Leo's -but older. His brother.
Each wore a black half -mask, hiding just enough to disturb her.
At the far end of the room stood a raised platform. On it sat a woman in black velvet gown and crimson gloves. Her voice rang out like a bell.
"You may proceed".
Allegra was guided to a seat. No handcuffs. No guards. Just a quiet threat that screamed louder than chains.
A man stepped into the chamber from a side door.
Tall. Broad shoulders.
Midnight-black cost tailored to perfection. His presence silenced the air around him.
Allegra's eyes locked with his.
He studied her like she was a case file - dangerous and half-read. His eyes grey. Cold. Watchful.
" This is your defense", the woman on the platform said.
" Mr . Caspian Rhys".
Allegra swallowed.
Caspian turned towards her, his voice smooth and precise.
" I'll be representing you, Miss Virelli. Though I haven't decided if you're worth saving yet".