IVY'S POV
"That face," he said quietly, his eyes narrowing, "seems familiar."
My heartbeat stumbled painfully.
Nicholas tilted his head slightly, studying her harder now, like he was forcing memory into place. "I know you."
The words landed like a blade against my throat.
Elena laughed again, but this time the sound carried tension beneath it. "That's quite possible, brother," Elena answered smoothly before Seraphina could speak. She smiled like nothing was wrong, like she had not just brought danger directly into this fortress. "She works at a bar downtown. You must have seen her around once or twice."
Seraphina remained perfectly composed beneath Nicholas's stare, which only made me panic more. She smiled politely, graceful as ever, as though she wasn't standing inches away from one of the deadliest vampires alive.
"Good evening, Mr. Vault," she said softly. "It's an honor to finally be in your… fortress."
Her fingers curled tighter around Elena's hand.
