The room fell silent in an instant. Luna Sorina's dare hung in the air like a challenge, all eyes darting between Kaelen and me. My heart hammered against my ribs as I felt heat rush to my face. The whiskey shimmered in its decanter, tempting me to reach for it and escape this situation.
But another part of me—one I'd been trying to suppress—stirred to life. Maybe it was the alcohol already in my system, or the tension that had been building all night, but I found myself hesitating to refuse.
Kaelen's eyes locked with mine, dark and intense. His jaw flexed as he swallowed hard, clearly waiting for my next move. Would I drink the penalty? Or would I accept the dare?
Luna Sorina's smile widened as the silence stretched. "Too much for you, Luna?" She practically purred the title, making it sound like an insult.
