"Is that her?"
"That's Damien's mate? The one who disappeared?"
"Why is she here now?"
The whispers, tinged with curiosity and judgement, pricked at Annie's nerves. Her shoulders tensed, but she kept her gaze forward.
Then, as they continued deeper into the hall, something shifted. The whispers softened, and soon, a different kind of murmur filled the space—admiration.
"Look at him... He's just like Damien."
"He's adorable!"
"Spitting image of his father."