Chapter 43: The Banquet II
(Nova POV)
I stood in front of the mirror for what felt like the hundredth time, fingers tugging at the black dress like it might suddenly decide to behave. It didn't. The fabric hugged my hips, dipped low in the back, and left my shoulders bare. Elegant, yes. Dangerous, definitely. Tessa had called it "a weapon disguised as fashion." I called it a mistake.
The clock read 6:52 PM.
Damien had said 7:00 sharp.
He was supposed to pick me up.
I checked my phone again. No messages. No "running late." No nothing.
My stomach twisted into knots.
Maybe he'd changed his mind.
Maybe he'd decided the cursed omega on his arm at the Blackwood formal banquet was too much of a liability.
Maybe he'd already left without me.
I hated how much that thought hurt.
I paced the small dorm room, heels clicking against the floor. The dress swished with every step—too loud, too noticeable. I felt like I was wearing a spotlight.
