The Blackwood Curse

Chapter 19

Sarah's POV

The air in the ballroom felt stifling despite its grandeur. The chandeliers sparkled brilliantly overhead, their light cascading over the polished marble floor, but I could hardly focus on the splendor. My thoughts were scattered, consumed by the tension that had settled over the room like a storm cloud.

Eren's kiss lingered on my lips, both a comfort and a question. It was possessive, raw, and public-a declaration that I hadn't expected. His grip on my waist was still firm as he guided me through the throng of elegantly dressed guests, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Axel's seething expression.

The Blackwoods were masters at masking their true emotions, yet Axel's anger had been as clear as day. His jaw had tightened, his usually smug demeanor crumbling as he watched his brother claim me in front of him and everyone else. I couldn't shake the memory of his burning gaze, the unspoken tension simmering beneath the surface.

"Sarah." Eren's voice broke through my reverie. He had stopped walking, turning to face me.

I blinked up at him, my mind still clouded. "Yes?"

"You're quiet," he said, his eyes searching mine. His expression was softer now, though there was a hint of concern in his voice. "Is everything all right?"

"I'm fine," I replied, forcing a smile. "It's just... a lot to take in."

Eren's gaze lingered on me for a moment before he nodded. "Let's step outside. You need some air."

I didn't argue. The weight of the party-the whispers, the stares, the oppressive atmosphere-was suffocating. Eren led me toward a set of double doors that opened onto the terrace, and I felt an immediate sense of relief as the cool night air washed over me.

The terrace overlooked the expansive Blackwood estate, the gardens below illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns. The scent of roses and night-blooming jasmine filled the air, a stark contrast to the perfumed opulence of the ballroom.

I walked to the edge of the balustrade, placing my hands on the cool stone as I gazed out at the dark horizon. The stars above were scattered like diamonds against a velvet sky, their beauty a quiet reminder of a world beyond the chaos of the Blackwoods.

Eren joined me, his presence steady and grounding. For a moment, neither of us spoke. The silence was a balm, a brief reprieve from the unspoken tensions that had plagued the evening.

Finally, Eren broke the silence. "You were incredible tonight."

I turned to him, surprised. "What do you mean?"

"The way you carried yourself. The way you looked." His voice was low, almost reverent. "Every eye in that room was on you, Sarah. You've claimed your place here."

His words warmed me, but there was a flicker of unease beneath the surface. "I don't want to be the center of attention, Eren. That's not why I'm here."

He stepped closer, his hands finding my waist. "You don't have a choice. You're my wife now. That comes with responsibilities-and power."

I studied his face, searching for the man I had married, the one who had been so different from the rest of his family. But tonight, there was something else in his eyes, something harder and more calculating.

"And Axel?" I asked softly. "What about him?"

Eren's jaw tightened. "What about him?"

"He's angry," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "He-"

"He knows his place," Eren interrupted, his tone sharp. "Don't let him get into your head, Sarah. Axel thrives on manipulation. He'll say or do anything to get under your skin."