Kael's hand brushed mine, subtle and silent, and I felt the message in that brief contact. Stay close. Don't flinch.
The Don's booming voice reached us, completely unaware. "Kael! Come now, you didn't tell me your father and brother would be here tonight!"
"I didn't know they'd be attending," Kael said smoothly, face unreadable. "How… thoughtful of them."
Ewan stepped forward, smile warm enough to melt butter. "We couldn't resist, son. Not when there's such a fine gathering to support our empire's expansion."
Kael's jaw flexed, but he nodded. "Of course. You always show up when it benefits you."
The Don laughed, oblivious. "It's good to see family together. I always say—blood knows best."
I wanted to shrink into the floor. Kael radiated tension, but he still played along, offering a handshake to the chairman, who gripped his wrist like he owned it.
And then, that polished, poisonous gaze turned to me.
