Chapter 184: Royal Ball Night

Darius~

I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the cuffs of my black embroidered tunic, the golden accents glinting in the soft light of the chandelier. My reflection stared back—stern, brooding, tired. I barely recognized the man I used to be. My hands tightened into fists at my side. I still had power. I still had control. But lately... lately it felt like it was all slipping away.