Chapter 10 - Blood on the Velvet
"Don't react," Cassian whispered into Elara's ear, pulling her into a loose embrace as the string quartet played a waltz. "We are surrounded."
Elara’s heart slammed against her ribs. She glanced around the ballroom. Silas was standing on the grand staircase, holding a glass of champagne, a cold, victorious smile on his lips. He gave Cassian a mock salute.
"He's going to do it here?" Elara breathed in disbelief. "In front of all these people?"
"He wants it public. He wants the rival families to see him take the crown," Cassian said. He smoothly maneuvered Elara toward a heavy set of velvet curtains near the service corridor. "When I say run, you go through those doors and don't stop until you reach the basement garage. My driver, Marcus, is loyal. He will get you out."
"I'm not leaving you!" Elara hissed, gripping his tuxedo jacket.
"You have to. I am the target."
Before Elara could argue, the crystal chandelier above the center of the room shattered into a thousand pieces as a suppressed gunshot echoed through the hall. Panic erupted. Screams filled the air as the wealthy elite dropped to the floor.
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Silas’s men pulled their weapons.
"Run!" Cassian roared, shoving Elara behind the velvet curtain while he drew a sleek black pistol from his jacket.
