She stared for a moment, then gave me a grim little smile.
“Guess that’s why he’s even grumpier than usual.”
I just glared at her. “What can I say? You bring out the best in me,” I shot back.
She rolled her eyes and shifted where she sat. I caught the way she grimaced at the weight of her skirts.
“Problem, little shadow?” I asked.
“No,” she growled under her breath. She shifted again, clearly uncomfortable. “It’s this stupid dress. It's just... irritating.”
“It looks…” Phoenix started, then faltered.
“Ridiculous?” she offered, her voice sharp. “Extravagant? Stupid?” She clutched at the silk, flushing with frustration. “I know I look like an idiot.”
“I wasn’t going to say that” Phoenix said quietly.
“Then what?” she demanded, defensive as a cornered cat. “Not suitable for a little street rat like me?”
“I was going to say beautiful,” Phoenix finished.
She glared at him like he’d insulted her. “Don’t make fun of me,” she snapped.
“I wasn’t…” Phoenix began, visibly flustered.
“Don’t hold back on our account,” Leo chimed in with a grin, lounging lazily across her bed. “Take it off whenever you want.”
She winced and looked away.
“What?” I said, stepping forward to tilt her chin up so I could see her face. She snatched herself out of my grip.
“Nothing,” she grumbled.
“Elira.”
“I don’t know how, okay?” she burst out, cheeks colouring deeper. “Everly practically sewed me into this damn thing. I don’t even know how to get it off without help.”
The room went still, the tension so thick you could cut it. I stepped back immediately, every muscle locked tight.
“Ah.”
“Don’t worry, boss man,” she snapped, eyes flashing. “I wasn’t about to ask you anyway.”
“I’ll do it,” Leo volunteered immediately.
“No,” Phoenix, Slade, and I all said at once.
Phoenix cleared his throat, ears red. “I can call someone—”
“No. It's fine. I'll figure it out myself.” She shifted again, wincing.
I could feel the growl building in my throat. This stubborn, infuriating girl.
“You know you don’t have to do everything alone, right?” I said tightly.
“Coming from you?” she growled. “That's rich.”
“Elira…” Phoenix tried again, softer. “Just... pick someone. It won’t kill you to ask for help.”
