Shocked

Dora... What was she doing here?

For a moment, everything around Kael seemed to blur. The vibrant music that filled the room, the lively conversations of the guests, and even the opulence of the ballroom itself—all of it faded into the background. His entire focus was consumed by the sight of her.

The woman who had haunted his thoughts for the past six months, the one he had tried so desperately to forget, was now standing right in front of him. She looked even more beautiful than he remembered.

He took a step forward excitedly, wanting to greet her, ask her how she was doing and why she had disappeared, but then stilled as he watched the council members greet her respectfully

His eyes narrowed in confusion. What was going on? Why were they treating her like this? Did they know her?