Malia stood in front of the full-length mirror in the dimly lit room, adjusting the fabric of her dress. The deep red of the gown seemed to match the tension that coiled tightly in her chest, a reminder of the high stakes of the night ahead. She hadn't intended to end up in this position—not with Nixus, not with Selene. But here she was, standing on the precipice of a deal she had once thought unimaginable: working with the man who had caused her so much pain, against the woman who had brought her life to the edge of destruction.
Her hands trembled as she fixed a loose strand of hair, her reflection staring back at her with an expression she barely recognized. She had fought so long to keep control, to keep her independence. But now, everything felt like a calculated risk, a dangerous game she was forced to play. And if she didn't play it right, she could lose it all.
