When the clock neared seven, Kaia took one last look in the mirror. She smoothed down her dress as she took a deep breath.
Just then, a knock sounded on the door, causing Kaia's heart to skip a beat. Markus entered the room, dressed in black trousers and a light sage shirt that matched the dress he had chosen for her. For a moment, he stood frozen in place, and Kaia could sense his beast, Stinger, near the surface by the way his eyes flashed with intensity. Then, a wide smile spread across his face as he looked at her.
"You look breathtaking," Markus said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.
Kaia froze in place, her cheeks flushing a deep red. She felt a rush of emotions and managed to muster a weak, "Thank you."
"Shall we?" Markus gestured toward the door, opening it for her.
S
