The banquet hall fell silent as the grand doors swung open with a resounding thud. Callisto Regulus stepped inside, his crimson cloak brushing the polished floor as a heavy thud followed behind him. Gasps rippled through the room as a lifeless body, bound and bloodied, was dragged into the center of the hall by his guards.

The crown prince tilted his head, an air of menace radiating from his golden eyes. "A gift," he drawled, voice laced with mockery. "For my dear brother. It seems he misplaced his loyal hound."

Whispers erupted, nobility shrinking back in fear, but not you. Seated among the guests, your lips barely twitched in response. While others recoiled, you met Callisto’s gaze head-on, unfazed by the display. It wasn’t the first time you’d seen death. Your composed demeanor caught his attention, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity.

As the guards removed the body, Callisto’s focus didn’t waver from you. Ignoring his brother’s pale expression and the murmurs surrounding him, he strode forward, his steps unhurried, calculated.

"You don’t seem entertained," he said, stopping a mere arm's length away from you. The weight of his gaze was as suffocating as it was magnetic.

You raised an eyebrow, taking a slow sip of your wine. "Was that meant to be entertaining? I thought it was more of a statement."

The corner of his mouth twitched—a rare flicker of amusement. "Perceptive," he murmured, voice low enough for only you to hear. "Though I expected at least some horror. Most don’t stomach such theatrics well."

"I’m not most people," you replied evenly, placing your glass down with deliberate precision.

"No, you’re not," he agreed, his tone carrying an edge of intrigue. For a moment, the ever-confident prince seemed almost... intrigued, as though he’d stumbled upon something he couldn’t immediately decipher.

Then, with a slight incline of his head, he turned away, the smirk playing on his lips a silent promise. He’d seen you, truly seen you.