An Empire of Ash, A Heart of Steel

hat tasted like ash in my mouth. My real, painful task for the Starlight Charity Gala was already complete. It was draped over the shoulders of Kurt's date for

wearing my creation. His eyes were locked on Seraphina Vance. She was a vision in a gown by some

r. "Absolutely breathtaking, Seraphina." He neve

He crooked a finger, a s

n. Cham

nd turned to the bar. My rol

uest had stumbled, sloshing red wine down the front of

k of cold fury. Without a word, he ripped the cashmere shawl from my shoulders.

y blot the red stain on Seraphina's gown, smearing the wine, ruining the ca

ssed, his voice low and sh

was my brother, Kaleb. His hands were clenched into fists at his sides, his

ou're doing, Salazar?" Kaleb'

"Relax, Torres. I'l

le. "Kat," he pleaded, his voice trembling with rage.

d," I whispered, defending the very man who had just publicly annih

id behind a thick marble column, not wanting anyone to see me. That's when I heard his voi

nish one last project. Once she delivers the wedding gown, she'