As they approached Fang Fortress, Esme's gaze swept over the gathering crowd assembled outside. The fortress itself lay in ruins, and the once formidable walls had crumbled. The main gate had been torn from its hinges, and it was a haunting reminder of what they overcame the night before.
The moment she and Donovan came into view, all eyes turned to them, though it was Donovan by her side who held their attention more.
Lennox's golden eyes burned with unrestrained hatred, and it darkened further by revulsion as he noticed their hands entwined. His expression twisted as though he just witnessed something abhorrent, and murmurs rippled through the guests, their voices filled with evident disbelief.
Esme had braced herself for these scornful glances, and their palpable contempt made her slightly uneasy. However, she reminded herself to focus on the most important thing, and that was her reason for coming here.