The music was too loud.
Elena blinked against the strobe lights as the bass throbbed under her feet. Someone was laughing near the kitchen. The living room was packed with strangers — some from campus, others she didn't recognize. Her dress clung to her in a way she wasn't used to. Her hair curled around her shoulders in soft waves. She looked pretty.
She didn't feel it.
Liam handed her a red cup with a grin. "You made it," he said, leaning close so she could hear him. "Try this. It's sweet, I promise."
Elena smiled, hesitant. "What's in it?"
"Nothing wild. Just punch. You need to loosen up a little." His eyes searched hers, almost too intently. "You've been quiet lately."
She hesitated… then took the cup.
Because he was right.
She had been quiet. Withdrawn. Searching shadows that didn't answer her anymore. Luca hadn't shown up in weeks. Not a glance. Not a note. Not a single breath to prove he still cared. And even though he'd left money in her account, even though she hadn't lacked anything since… it didn't feel like love.
It felt like goodbye.
So she sipped.
And then she laughed, once, softly. Liam grinned and led her to the couch where others were sitting. She joined in. She smiled. She nodded to the beat of music she didn't like.
But halfway through her second drink, something shifted.
The world tilted — just slightly.
The music slowed down in her ears. People's voices blended into a dull hum. Her head felt light, her limbs heavy. Her vision blurred at the edges.
"Liam," she mumbled, touching his arm, "I feel weird…"
His expression changed. Just for a second.
Then the smile returned. "You're fine. Maybe just tired. Come on, let's get some air."
He helped her up, guiding her through the crowd. Her knees felt shaky. The walls rippled like they were made of water.
"I think I need to go home," she whispered.
"We'll just sit in my car for a bit," he said too quickly.
But the cold air hit her like a slap when they stepped outside. It sobered her — barely. Enough to notice they weren't walking toward his car. They were heading down the back alley behind the building.
"Liam…" she said, struggling now, "Wait…"
Suddenly, a figure stepped out of the dark.
Tall.
Broad.
Liam froze.
Elena's heart dropped.
Luca.
His eyes burned into Liam like fire. Not a word passed between them, but the air was charged with something dangerous. Elena blinked slowly, swaying. The shadows swirled in her vision. She saw Liam's hand drop from her wrist as Luca stepped forward.
Luca caught her just before she fell.
His arms wrapped around her, steady and sure. His scent — sharp, clean, like rain and smoke — filled her senses. She wanted to speak, but her lips wouldn't move.
Luca didn't say a word.
He carried her.
Away from the lights. Away from the party. Away from Liam.
Back to the apartment she hadn't seen him enter in weeks.
---
Her body was warm, too warm, and her head spun. She reached for his shirt, desperate for something to hold on to. His hands were gentle but unsure, like he was trying to pull away.
"No," she whispered, eyes glazed. "Please… don't leave again."
"Elena…" His voice was rough, barely audible. "You don't know what you're asking."
She did. And she didn't care.
She kissed him.
And Luca didn't pull away.
Not this time.
---
The next morning, the bed was cold.
Luca was gone.
But she wasn't alone.
She touched her lips with shaking fingers.
Something had changed.
Forever.
---