First message
The great hall fell silent as she danced. A captive dressed in silk, forced to entertain the very court that had stolen everything from her. Cassian watched from beside the throne, broad shoulders tense, deep blue eyes fixed on the tiny girl who moved with impossible grace. The nobles applauded. His father smiled far too warmly. Something ugly twisted in Cassian’s chest. The moment the music ended, he was already crossing the hall.