Chapter Seventy seven

Darius pov

I could already hear the music from the banquet. Guests had begun to arrive, visitors from other regions filling the hall. I paced back and forth in my room, a mix of confusion and frustration building inside me. My mom had promised she would talk to Anita, but she wasn’t back yet. This was driving me mad. I didn’t want to walk into that banquet alone. I needed Anita. She was like my good luck charm. She was all I could think about.

Just then, the door opened, and my mom entered, dressed and ready for the banquet.

"Why are you still pacing?" she asked. "I thought you’d already be at the banquet."

"Why are you still here?"

"Are you waiting for something?" she added.

I scoffed and turned to her. "Really? You’re asking me if I’m waiting for something?"

"Of course, I’m waiting. I’m waiting for Anita. You said you’d bring her to me. Where is she?" I asked, panic creeping into my voice.

"She’ll come," my mom said calmly. "She’ll be your escort. I made sure she accepted it."

"But