Annalise's POV
My heart pounded fiercely in my chest, sweat beading on my forehead as my arrival was loudly announced. The massive doors creaked open, revealing the elderly men seated before the throne that radiated a dark, intimidating presence.
All eyes snapped to me as I entered, their gazes heavy and intrusive. I ignored their stares, my focus solely on Atlas, who stood tall and defiant at the front. His expression flickered with surprise, but his piercing blue eyes remained fixed on mine, as if he couldn't tear himself away.
A shiver ran through me, my breath catching as I noticed a faint glow in his eyes, memories of us rushing to the surface. For a brief, dangerous moment, images of our lips locking flashed through my mind. I quickly averted my gaze, my pulse quickening, struggling to steady my breath as I approached the man standing in the center, holding a staff.
