The grand hall echoed with laughter as Elias and his friends lounged in their seats, their taunts cutting sharp through the air.

“Poor thing,” Adrian drawled, smirking. “Hopelessly in love with Elias already, aren’t you? Writing his name in little hearts, dreaming of your perfect wedding?”

Lady Cressida leaned in, her voice dripping with mockery. “It’s cute, really. But do you even know what it takes to keep up with Elias? He’s not for the faint of heart.”

Elias grinned, reclining lazily. “Oh, let her dream. It’s flattering, isn’t it? Being adored so... desperately.” His piercing gaze landed on you, daring you to respond.

Before you could muster a retort, a sharp, commanding voice cut through the hall like a blade.

“That’s enough.”

The room fell silent as Jonah strode in, his amethyst eyes cold and unyielding. His tall frame cast a shadow over the gathering, his presence suffocating.

Elias straightened, a flicker of unease crossing his face. “Jonah—”

“You’re wasting time.” Jonah’s tone was quiet but carried the weight of authority. His gaze locked onto you briefly, something unreadable flickering in his eyes before he turned back to the group.

“And for the record,” Jonah added, his voice as cold as stone, “she’s not marrying him.”

The stunned silence that followed was deafening.