Liam hadn't meant to look. He'd come here out of obligation. Blood Fang Pack's corruption was an open secret. He hated their traditions. Hated how they treated omegas.
But duty and a whisper of prophecy brought him.
Then he saw her.
Holding a tray like she barely existed, slipping through the glittering chaos like shadow and air. And yet... she glowed. Not with polish or beauty in the obvious sense, but with something buried deep. Power. Fire. Hidden.
"Mate."
He inhaled, and his entire body went rigid. She smelled like vanilla and thunder. Like home and havoc.
"She's just an omega," Dorian muttered beside him, brow furrowed.
Liam didn't answer. Couldn't. Something in his chest was unraveling. Something primal. Something dangerous.
Her eyes flicked up, and for half a second just half a spark lit between them. And then she looked away.
But Liam wasn't done looking.