Chapter 54

Darius’s POV I watched Dorothy disappear into the lantern-lit hallway, refusing to let myself follow. For the first time in years, it felt like my body belonged to someone else—rage and regret pulsed through my blood. What had it gotten me but an empty bed and a she-wolf forever at odds, cursing my own blindness? As the music shifted, I stood motionless at the edge of the ballroom, pack after pack swirling in a haze of perfume and envy. “Why aren’t you out there, Alpha?” Caleb’s voice was low, teasing, pressing on the old wound as men who’d shed blood together always did. “Not in the mood to dance,” I replied, refusing to rise to the bait. His lips curled. “Funny. Not five minutes ago the whole hall saw you holding that omega like you’d finally remembered you married her.” I shot him a look sharp. “Say her name,” I snapped, just under my breath. Caleb shrugged, unbothered. “All right, Dorothy Miller. You do realize half this room expects you to tear each other apart before moonrise?” I