~Zayn's POV~
After my conversation with Dean, his advice echoed in my mind, not to tell Nantam about Evric just yet, to let everything unfold on my birthday. But a part of me still felt unsettled. I didn't want anything to ruin my day. Maybe I was overthinking. Maybe everything would go smoothly. Maybe… there was nothing to worry about.
After Dean slept, I poured myself more drinks than I probably should have, trying to drown the unease swirling in my head. Hours later, I must have drunk too much because I passed out right there.
When I woke up, it was already midnight. I dragged myself up from the couch and walked into my room. As soon as I lay down, my phone buzzed, a message from Evric.
Good morning, baby.
I read it, smiling faintly, but maybe because I was still a little tipsy, I didn't reply. A few minutes later, my phone lit up again. This time, it was his call. I gently answered.
"Good morning, babe," he said, his voice low but warm.
