Chapter 80

• Two thrones commanded the head of the grand hall, their imposing design carved from dark stone and etched with ancient markings. The air pulsed with tension as the room filled with chatter and movement, though all eyes were momentarily drawn to the two figures who took their places atop the dais.
• Lucas settled into the seat on the right, his presence commanding as always, sharp eyes scanning the room with quiet authority. My gaze locked on him involuntarily, a flutter of something I refused to name igniting in my chest. He was regal, otherworldly, every inch the Beast King he was born to be. But as soon as his eyes met mine, something unreadable flickered behind them—gone just as quickly as it came.
• I shuffled quickly to join the other humans lining the far wall, heads bowed in practiced submission. A few of them sent me quick, cautious glances, but none dared speak. I stood silently among them, spine straight, eyes fixed on the opposite wall as instructed, though I was hyper-aware of the way the Beasts’ voices dropped and shifted as I passed.