Chapter 71

• Rhys
• The evening had ended earlier than planned, which was for the best. I could sense Dawn’s discomfort growing with each passing hour, and it gnawed at me, twisting something deep in my chest. I’d asked her about it, but she’d been evasive, brushing off my concerns with a strained smile. Even as we guided the guests to their chambers, she stayed close but distant, her touch light and fleeting.
• I knew something was wrong. Our bond, stronger than ever, thrummed with her unease. But no matter how much I wanted to push, to demand answers, I held back. Dawn was strong and capable. She’d tell me when she was ready—or so I told myself.