Page 129

Maybe it’s the champagne, or the fact that I officially handed in my resignation a few days ago, but the weight I’ve been carrying for years feels like it’s finally gone. For the first time in what feels like forever, I’m free.

And I’m not directionless or stuck on the streets.

My eyes flick to Halle, who’s practically glowing in a flowing black dress with a plunging neckline. It’s only been a week since Rowan showed us the space for Serene Tiger, and whilst it needs a ton of work, the place feels like ours.Reallyours.

She catches my eye and grins. “You’re thinking about it, aren’t you?”

“Maybe,” I smirk, unable to stop the small, satisfied smile tugging at my lips. Serene Tiger isn’t just a dream anymore. It’s real. And even though I know Rowan will insist on footing most of the bill, the part of me that doesn’t want to rely on anyone has finally started to ease.

I glance at the impressive grounds around us. The lush green fields are dotted with vibrant flowers I don’t recognize, and the heavy fragrance of blooming magnolias drifts through the air.

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” Halle says, her voice low with awe.

“Me neither,” I admit, feeling a strange mix of excitement and nerves.

Tonight is The Ritual, and in just a few hours, Rowan will be crowned the official Head of The Snake. I haven’t seen him in a week—The Snake’s tradition demands five days of isolation for meditation and reflection before the ceremony—another one of their strange traditions.

But when I do see him, he’ll have a new tattoo: another serpent coiled across his back, symbolizing his new role as The Head.

I can feel the weight of the moment pressing on me. Being a Vasilyev already comes with its pressures, but being The Head of The Snake? Both anxiety and excitement gnaw at me. I spot a few guards watching Halle and I. Rowan insisted I have security on me twenty-four-seven. It’s a new feeling, having someone else take care of me and worry about my safety. The Alex of tenyears ago would have laughed in my face if I told him any of this was happening.

The Great Hall is a cavernous expanse. Candles burn in their hundreds, their golden flames casting flickering shadows that dance across the ornate mosaics of serpents coiling and devouring their tail.

A waiter appears with a tray of champagne flutes. Halle grabs two and hands me one.

“Cheers,” she says, knocking her glass against mine. “To Serene Tiger. To new beginnings and to your boyfriend ruling the world.”

“Just Senna. Not the world.”

“Alex. Halle.” A familiar voice interrupts us. I turn to find Rowan’s brothers approaching.

Hayden is composed, his expression unreadable, while Xander smirks, his hands in his pockets. I can feel the weight of the room’s attention shift as people angle themselves, eager to be noticed by them, whether they realise it or not.

“Oh,” Halle breathes, her cheeks flushing slightly. She’s been gushing about Hayden all week, dubbing him the male version of a fairy. Whatever that means.

“Hi, Hayden,” she says breathlessly.

Hayden offers her a sincere smile, clearly accustomed to the effect he has on people.

“Don’t I get a hello too?” Xander asks, his eyes purposefully turning menacing.

I shake my head, fighting my laugh. Strange as it sounds, Xander is growing on me. I see shades of myself in him—shadows I’d rather not examine too closely.

Halle loses the blushing smile and offers him a cool nod. “Hello, Xander.”

He grins, sharp and wolfish. “That’s better.”

“He wants to see you,” Hayden says to me. “Upstairs. Smith will show you the way.”

My heart skips a beat. I glance at Halle, and she nods reassuringly. “I’ll stay here,” she promises, giving me an encouraging smile.

I follow Smith, a hulking guard, up a spiralling staircase. The landing overlooks the grand hall, everyone dressed in expensive and glittering clothes.

We continue down a hallway lit by golden chandeliers, passing closed doors and busy servers. Finally, we stop in front of a door flanked by two armed guards. One of them opens it without a word.

“Thanks,” I say to Smith, stepping inside.

He gives me a quick nod before shutting the door behind me.