Chapter 19 · The Masquerade Lie

"Keep your eyes on the champagne, not the exit," Silas whispered.

His breath grazed my ear, hot and dangerous. He didn't let go of my waist. His hand was a brand through the thin silk of my gown, pulling me a fraction too close for a public ballroom.

"I'm looking for a way out, Silas. Not a way in," I snapped.

I tilted my head, trying to dodge his scent—sandalwood and cold steel. It was a distraction. Everything about him was a distraction I couldn't afford with Caine in the room.

"You're not leaving until I say so." His grip tightened. A silent reminder of who held the leash. "Smile, Alice. The whole city is watching to see if the villainess finally learned how to play nice."

I forced a smile that felt more like a snarl.

Across the gold-leafed hall, Caine was holding court. Golden prince. White military jacket. Laughing with ministers. But the second his eyes locked onto mine, the laughter died.

He didn't move, but the air turned electric. Thick. The kind of hate that felt like a physical weight.

"Look at him," I whispered, leaning back into Silas just to provoke the man across the room.