Chapter 19 Cracks In The Ice

• The sun had long fallen, leaving the Blackwood mansion cloaked in velvet darkness. Only the faint glow of golden sconces lit the hallways, casting long shadows on the polished marble floors. Elena walked slowly toward Damian’s study, her heartbeat loud in her ears, her hands clenched to stop their trembling.
• The events at the masquerade still lingered like smoke—his hand gripping Astrid’s waist, his voice low in her ear. The cold fury that glittered in his eyes when he ripped Lucas’s mask away. The scandal his punch caused.
• Her chest tightened. She couldn't keep living like this.