The Obsidian Vow

ng. The letter in his hand seemed to hold more weight than the luxurious table before them, and

n knots. Her gaze flicked between the envelope and his impassive face, trying to g

istant, calculating. She could see the gears turning behind his cool exterior, but

ghing each word before letting it slip past his lips. "It

, a reminder that this world Damian inhabited-this world she was slowly becoming entan

rehension in her voice. She leaned forward slightly, her finger

eans," he said slowly, "that we need to act quickly. There's a leak, Adriana. Someone close to me is fee

e middle of it. A part of her wanted to walk away, to get out while she still could. But the other part, the p

tle over her. Her mind raced with possibilities-who was the traito

eed your help, Adriana," he said, his voice soft but intense. "You're an outsider her

en with meaning. Damian Thorn, the man who thrived on power and control, was

coul

e had woven into his words, the dangerous game he had set before her. She kn

g out before she could stop them. Her voice was steady, but inside, her ne

, more dangerous. "You're right to be cautious," he said, his voice smooth, almost amused. "In my world, trust is a rare commodity. But let m

, thick with unspoken threats and unspoken promises. She knew she was walking

. Not when she was this close to unravelin

" she asked finally, her vo

something darker. "There's a party tonight," he said, his voice low and deliberate. "Several

ce to step deeper into Damian's world, to see the fac

a sense of dread settled over her as well. She w

r voice firmer than

aw something like genuine warmth in his expression. "

rying to prepare for what was to come. She had no idea what she was walkin

-

cobblestone driveway of an opulent mansion. The estate was bathed in golden light, with glittering chandeliers visible t

er brokers, tycoons, and socialites mingled under the guise of civility. But she knew better than to believe in the façade.

r the occasion, donning a sleek black dress that clung to her curves and a pair of stilettos that made her feel powerful and dangerous.

orms weaved between the guests, offering trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Crystal chandeliers hung from

the champagne or the music.

ght stand out. Damian had told her that the key players would be here tonight, but he had

n with a tall, silver-haired man in an expensive suit. Damian's posture was relaxed, but

ing hers from across the room. He gave her a subtle nod, a silent

rowd with practiced ease. She kept her ears open, listening for snippets of conversation

er-discussions about business deals, rumors about affairs, whispers of political scandal

was all a wild goose chase when a

ria

riosity. He was tall, with dark hair and sharp features, dressed in a tailored suit that spo

een years since she'd seen him-back when they were both fresh-faced interns at

osity. He glanced around as if making sure no one was listening, then fixe

n. "I'm... working on a piece," she said vaguely, hoping that would be enough t

ced. "A piece on Thorn? He's not exactly an

aced as she tried

dn't expected to run into anyone she knew, least of all someon

arrowing slightly. "Be careful," he said quietly, his tone serious. "

. Rumors. She leaned in slightly, her

er. "I've heard things-about how he handles his business, the people he asso

the beginning that Damian Thorn was not a man to be trifled with, but hearing

said, trying to sound mor

be careful," he repeated, his voice tinged with concern.

questions and new doubts. She thanked Marcus and excused herself, slippi

seriously. But there was a part of her-a dark, twisted part-that was drawn to

a door slightly ajar, leading out to a private terrace. Without thi

rustle of the wind in the trees. Adriana walked to the edge, placing her hands on th

ll pounding with the thrill of it all-the danger,

hat she didn't hear the footsteps

r heart leaping into her throat. But instead of a stranger,

w and smooth, like silk over ste

tension between them, electric and undeniable. "I need

eyes, the way they seemed to see right through her. "I told you to

There was something dangerous about the way he was looking at

isingly gentle. "You're playing a dangerous game, Adriana," he murmured, his voice a

m, a challenge, a threat,

ath warm against her skin, Adriana

out now. Not when the

was this clos