Three days had passed since that night at Café KhalaqBut Ishaal still remembered his eyes calm, cold, and dangerous.
She told herself it was nothing.Just a random customer.Just a stare.But her heart didn't believe that lie.
Tonight, the café was louder than usual.A private event, dim lights, rich people, expensive perfume.Ishaal had been hired to sing again.
She was adjusting her mic when she saw him,Rayyan Raheel
Black suit, no tie, sleeves rolled, veins visible.He walked like he owned the air around him.People moved out of his way without him even asking.
Her throat went dryTheir eyes met for barely a second, but it was enough.The memory of that conversation flashed back.
"You sing like you've buried someone.""Only the living."
She started singing, low and soft.But Rayyan didn't look away.He stood in the corner, watching her like he was reading every note, every breath.
After her set ended, she tried to leave quickly.But before she could step out, a voice came from behind.
"Running away again?"
She froze. That voice, low, confident, familiar.Turning around, she saw him standing close, holding a glass of water instead of whiskey.
"Didn't think devils drank water," she said, trying to sound calm."Only when the angels start burning," he replied.
He stepped closer, eyes scanning her face, not lustfully, but like a puzzle he wanted to solve.
"You shouldn't be here," she said quietly."Neither should you," he answered. "But here we are."
Silence again.The air between them felt heavy, like something about to break.
"Why do you keep watching me?" she asked."Because I want to know why your voice feels like it remembers pain I've never told anyone."
She didn't replyMaybe because he was rightMaybe because she was scared
He handed her a card, black, simple, no logo, Just his name.
"Come tomorrow. 9 p.m. Raheel Estate""Why?""Because you owe me a song"
And before she could say anything, he was gone, leaving behind the faint scent of smoke and danger.