The restaurant was too quiet. That was the first thing Amara noticed. The soft hum of a cello played over the speakers, and the scent of expensive lilies hung heavy in the air.
Julian sat at a corner table, the flickering flame of a single candle casting long, dancing shadows across his sharp jawline.
"Why the sudden candlelight dinner?" Amara asked, her voice dropping as he pulled out her chair. The velvet seat felt too soft, too welcoming.
Julian didn't look up immediately. He watched the flame. "I needed a reason to see you again."
Amara's heart did a strange, uncomfortable skip. She reached for her water glass, needing something to do with her hands.
"I'm still looking into Seren's background," Julian continued, finally meeting her eyes. "It's buried deep. It may take a while."
"No problem," Amara said quickly. Too quickly? She took a sip of water. "Take your time. I just want the truth."
The truth, she thought, even if it burns everything down.
