The fact that tonight, there is no quiet version of this. No hiding.
A slow breath leaves me as I reach for my coat, sliding it on, the weight of it grounding me further.
When I step out, Elijah is already waiting. He doesn’t say anything at first, he just looks at me.
And the way he looks at me… it steadies something in my chest that had started to climb.
His gaze moves slowly, deliberately, not rushed, not reactive. Like he’s taking me in, placing me, anchoring me in his mind before we step into everything outside.
“You ready?” he asks quietly.
It’s not pressure. It’s not expectation.
It’s an offer to tell the truth.
I swallow, then nod.
“I am.”
He steps closer, his hand sliding to my waist, firm and certain, pulling me into him just enough that I can feel the full weight of him beside me.
“Stay with me,” he murmurs.
“I will.”
Lucian is already at the door, leaning back like he’s been here all day, like none of this touches him, but his eyes flick up the second we step closer, sharp, assessing, missing nothing.
“Timing’s perfect,” he says lightly. “They’re already circling.”
“Of course they are,” I mutter.
He glances at me, something amused flickering there.
“You’re trending,” he adds casually. “That tends to attract attention.”
I huff out a breath.
“Good to know.”
There’s a beat as we move toward the door, and I can’t help but wonder if he is coming because Elijah asked him or if he has other reasons.
I tilt my head slightly.
“Evelyn’s going to be there tonight.”
His gaze flicks back to mine instantly.
There it is. Subtle. But not subtle enough.
“I assumed as much,” he replies.
Too smooth. A small smile pulls at my mouth.
“I’m sure you did.”
Elijah’s hand presses more firmly into my waist.
“Let’s go.”
