~Zayn's POV~
Finally, the hands on the clock struck the hour. The sun had slipped below the horizon, and I could hear the evening rush of the restaurant humming just beyond my office door. A soft knock followed, and one of my staff members peeked inside.
"Sir, there's someone here to see you," the staff member said from the doorway, her voice cautious. "An older man."
I felt my entire body go rigid. My heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic rhythm that threatened to choke me. I looked over at Evric, my face pale, the air in the office suddenly feeling far too thin. "It's him," I whispered, the words tasting like ash.
Evric didn't hesitate. He reached across the desk and took my hand, his grip solid and grounding. He squeezed my fingers, forcing me to meet his steady, dark eyes.
