Page 68 of The Hunter's Empire

"Erik." Darragh extends his hand toward the older brother before pulling him into a brief embrace. "It's been too long."

"Not long enough." Erik replies dryly.

A few people laugh. The younger brother grins.

"Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce Erik Lindberg and Axel Lindberg." Darragh says.

A murmur immediately spreads through the room. Even before Darragh continues, I can tell these men carry significant weight.

"The Lindberg brothers lead the Södertälje organization in Sweden. The Keegans and Lindbergs have stood beside one another for many years, and I am honored to welcome them into our home once again."

Several guests raise their glasses. Others nod respectfully. Nobody looks surprised. Which means everyone here already knew who they were. Everyone except me.

I glance toward Nico. His expression remains calm, but I catch the slight narrowing of his eyes as he studies the brothers. Assessing. Calculating. The way he always does.

Darragh waits for the room to settle before raising his glass.

"Actually, their arrival gives me the perfect opportunity to share some wonderful news."

The smile on his face immediately puts me on edge. Around us, conversations quiet. People turn toward him expectantly.

"I am pleased to announce that the bond between our families will soon become permanent."

Applause immediately breaks out. Confused, I look around the room. Permanent?

Before I can make sense of it, Darragh continues. "The Keegan and Lindberg families have reached an agreement. Roisin will be marrying Axel, securing our alliance for generations to come."

The words hit me like a physical blow. For a moment, all I can do is stare.

The applause grows louder. People begin offering congratulations. Axel accepts them with an easy confidence that suggests this arrangement suits him perfectly.

My attention shifts elsewhere. To Roisin. She is standing near one of the windows at the edge of the room. Alone. Completely motionless.

Everyone else seems caught up in celebration. Roisin looks like she's trying to disappear. Her gaze remains fixed on the floor. Her hands are clasped tightly in front of her. And she doesn't look at Axel even once.

A strange feeling settles in my chest. Because Roisin is young. Far younger than the man she is apparently expected to marry. And while everyone around me celebrates another successful alliance, all I can see is a woman standing alone while strangers applaud a future she doesn't appear to want.

Eventually the room returns to life. Guests gather around the Lindbergs. Beside me, Nico smoothly joins one of the circles forming around the brothers, slipping into polite conversation with the ease of a man who belongs in rooms like this.

I barely hear any of it. My attention keeps drifting back to Roisin. And when I finally notice her quietly slipping away from the crowd, I don't hesitate. The moment the guests become distracted, I separate from Nico and follow her into the quieter part of the estate.

"Roisin."

She slows at the sound of her name. For a moment, I think she might keep walking.

Instead, she comes to a stop and turns toward me. The smile she offers is polite. Practiced. Completely empty. I have seen enough forced smiles in my life to recognize one when I see it.

"Are you alright?" I ask quietly. The question earns a brief flicker of surprise before her expression smooths over once again.

"Of course I am." The answer comes so quickly that it sounds rehearsed.

My gaze lingers on her face. On the tension around her eyes. On the way her hands remain clasped tightly in front of her as though she is physically holding herself together.

"You don't have to lie to me."

For the first time, something cracks. Not enough for anyone else to notice. Enough for me. A tiny flash of exhaustion passes through her eyes before disappearing just as quickly.

"This marriage will strengthen the family." She says quietly.