Breathless Torment

< Author POV >

The orchestra swells, the first haunting notes of Black Swan curling through the ballroom like smoke. Dorian doesn’t hesitate—he draws Hazel close, one hand firm at her waist, the other capturing her smaller hand in his.

"Follow my lead," he murmurs, his voice low enough that only she can hear.

Hazel nods, too tightly wound to speak.

He leads, guiding her through the slow step, step