The event slowly began dissolving.
Chairs scraped softly against the floor. Glasses were left half-full. Music lowered into background noise. People were hugging, exchanging "see you soon," adjusting coats.
Lyra was already complaining about her heels.
Adam was laughing about something Elias said.
Lucien stood near me, talking to Victor uncle, but his eyes kept drifting in my direction.
I was about to move toward the exit when my phone vibrated.
Unknown irritation.
I stepped aside toward a quieter pillar near the hallway and answered.
"It's Nyx."
A shaky breath from the other side.
"Hmm… actually… it is… it is—"
"Liz," I cut in flatly. "Will you start speaking? I would have eaten an ice cream by this time."
Silence.
Then she said it.
"Nyx… it's about Andres."
My fingers tightened slightly around the phone.
My voice didn't change.
"Okay. I'll come directly to your office after this. We can talk it out."
There was another pause.
"Do not let Lucien know. Alright? It's just you and me conversation."
I frowned faintly.
"Fine."
"Promise."
"I said fine."
She exhaled, then disconnected.
I stared at the screen for a moment.
Andres.
That name didn't come lightly.
I slipped my phone back into my clutch.
When I turned around, Lucien was already watching me.
He didn't ask immediately.
He waited.
Then walked over.
"Everything okay?"
"Yes."
"Who was it?"
"Work."
He studied my face.
Too closely.
"You're leaving?"
"Yes."
"I'll drop you."
"No need."
That made him narrow his eyes slightly.
"I wasn't asking."
I held his gaze calmly.
"I'll manage."
A long second passed between us.
He knew I was hiding something.
I knew he knew.
But he didn't push.
"Text me when you reach," he said finally.
I nodded once.
Lyra rushed over and hugged me tightly.
"Don't disappear tomorrow."
"I won't."
Adam waved lazily.
"Final boss, take care."
I ignored that.
Elias gave me a look — the observant kind.
He senses things.
I stepped out into the cold night air.
The noise of the event faded behind me.
And for the first time tonight…
Something felt wrong.
Andres.