Timofey leaned forward suddenly. “Did you meet someone? Is this about a man? People usually only smile this way when they are in love.”
I choked on my water at the sudden question, and the table went silent for a few seconds as I felt the slight shift. It was subtle but immediate as Iosif’s gaze flicked toward me andAvgust stilled. Even Ilana looked up, something careful settling in her expression.
“I did not,” I said smoothly.
“Liar,” Zhenya sang. I turned to look at her sharply and noticed the smile on her face, realizing she might even know that I was still thinking about the man from the masquerade. The mischievousness of her smile was enough to tell me that she did. Clara’s eyes narrowed slightly, not suspicious but simple assessing.
“So where did you meet this man?” Timofey pressed.
“Nowhere.”
“At the masquerade?” Misha guessed, hitting exactly the right spot.
My pulse jumped, but I kept my face neutral.
“I danced with someone, yes,” I said lightly. “It was a masquerade after all, and that’s the whole point.”
“With?” Timofey asked.
“A man.”
Iosif stepped closer to the table attentively, clearly invested in the conversation. “And do you know who this person was?” he asked calmly. I could sense the concern in his voice.
I set my fork down deliberately.
“It was anonymous,” I said. “That was the appeal. I didn’t need to know who he was, and he didn’t need to know me.”
Avgust’s voice cut in, colder. “Anonymous doesn’t mean harmless, Elisse.”
“I know that.”
“Do you?” he asked.
My spine straightened instinctively. “Yes.”
Timofey studied me with uncharacteristic seriousness. “Did he touch you?”
“We were dancing, Tim. What do you think?” I asked bluntly, my annoyance growing.
“He kissed you?” Clara asked, a soft smile playing on her lips.
“Yes.”
Iosif’s jaw tightened slightly.
“Who was he?” Avgust asked.
“I don’t know.”
“That’s not amusing, Elisse.”
“I’m not trying to be amusing, Iosif. I am just telling you guys, exactly what you wanted to know.”
“Then tell us who he is.”
“If I had known, I would have most certainly told you guys,” I repeated. “But I promise I have no idea.”
There was silence around us, heavy and unsettling.
