The mall was bustling.
It wasn't just students from the academy—there were nobles, merchants, and commoners, all moving about, their lives intertwining in the grand sprawl of the city.
Caspian leaned against a railing on the upper floor, looking down at the vast expanse of stores and cafes below.
A group of young nobles laughed over wine at an outdoor lounge, and merchant....
He wasn't particularly interested in any of it.
He was still standing in a mall.
Waiting.
He sighed, rubbing his temple.
Then he saw it.
Fianna stepped out of the dressing room.
And Caspian froze.
The black dress.
The barely-there, sheer silk, scandalous excuse of a dress.
Fianna had a smirk on her lips as she placed a hand on her hip, tilting her head slightly. "So?"
Caspian exhaled, slow and steady. His jaw clenched.
His mind was blank for half a second before his instincts kicked in.
This was a trap.
