The Night of Oaths
When Evan and Bear stepped out of Lunar Citadel, the night air of Valemont felt colder than before.
The celebration outside hadn't completely died yet. Clusters of people still lingered near the entrance, phones raised, faces flushed with excitement as they replayed clips and photos. Bright laughter mixed with the fading echoes of the fireworks that had lit up the sky minutes earlier.
The fireworks might have ended, but the gossip hadn't.
"Did you see the drones? That was insane."
"I swear, I've never seen a show like that in Valemont."
"Julian D'Aurelius really went all out."
Another voice chimed in, half amused, half mocking.
"Yeah… poor Bear Group's boss. Completely overshadowed."
Someone chuckled.
"Honestly? It looked like his event got hijacked."
The words drifted through the air like invisible needles.
Evan walked past them without looking.
His stride never slowed, his gaze fixed straight ahead, but the tension in his shoulders betrayed him.
