Ashes of Our Flame
Episode 2: "The Warning"
Adrian's gaze lingered longer than it should have. There was something about her—the defiance in her eyes, the way she stood like she belonged among monsters, even though she clearly didn't.
"I don't scare easily," he said, stepping closer.
Kara's heart thundered, but her face stayed calm. "Good. Because I'm not here to play nice."
Tessa's voice buzzed in her ear. "Kara, he's too close. Remember the plan—get the intel, not his attention."
Too late.
Adrian extended his hand. "Adrian Vale."
She took it. "Kara... Quinn."
A lie. One of many.
His touch was warm, steady. A warning in itself.
"Stay close tonight, Kara," he said, eyes gleaming. "This party tends to get... dangerous."
She leaned in, her voice a whisper only he could hear. "I can handle danger. Can you?"
Before he could answer, a commotion erupted across the room. Security moved in. Cameras flashed. A man was being dragged out, bloodied and screaming.
Adrian didn't flinch.
Kara did. On purpose.
He turned to her, watching her reaction.
Testing her.
She looked up at him, expression unreadable. "Your parties really are unforgettable."
Adrian smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes.
Neither of them knew it yet, but tonight was the beginning of everything—and the end of something they'd never get back.
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To be continued in Episode 3…
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