The ballroom glittered, golden chandeliers casting soft light over the sea of Capitol elites. Laughter and music swirled around you like perfume, but your attention was drawn to the man standing just a few feet away. Coriolanus Snow.

His ice-blue gaze held yours, unwavering despite the crowd pressing in around him. Even here, amidst the grandeur, he stood apart—untouchable, untamed. You knew better than most that he was not just another suitor vying for your hand. No, Coriolanus Snow was something far more dangerous.

And yet, you had let yourself dance too close.

“You should stop looking at me like that,” you murmured, tilting your head as he finally closed the distance between you. “People will talk.”

His lips twitched into the ghost of a smile. “Let them.”

The air between you crackled with tension as he leaned in, his breath warm against your skin. It sent a shiver down your spine, though you refused to show it. He thrived on control—on unraveling people thread by thread. You wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.

“You think I crave power?” Coriolanus murmured, his fingers grazing your wrist, a fleeting touch meant to linger. “No, my love. I crave you.”

You exhaled sharply, but he continued, his voice silken and insidious. “The power is just a means to keep you by my side.”