The glass doors of the company building slid open, releasing a wave of humid air that smelled of rain and exhaust. Elara walked toward the street, Mina’s upbeat chatter filling the space between them, until a sharp vibration in Elara's bag made her pause.
She pulled out her phone. The name on the screen made her heart skip a beat before sinking into her stomach.
Lucas.
She felt Mina’s gaze burn into the side of her head, curious and sharp. Offering an awkward, tight smile to her friend, Elara swiped to answer.
"Hi, Elara. How was your day?" his voice came through, smooth and calm.
"I’m fine,"
She answered quickly, keeping her eyes fixed on a passing commuter. She didn't dare look at Mina. She knew the way her friend’s mind worked; Mina was already deconstructing every syllable.
"How about you?"
"I’m doing well. It’s been a week since the last time we saw each other..."
"Yeah," she breathed. She didn't know what else to say. Her mind was a static hum of memories—the manor, the cold air, and the tap on her back that felt like a finality.
"Is somebody with you right now?" Lucas asked, a hint of amusement coloring his tone.
"Is that why you sound like that?"
Elara glanced at Mina. Her friend was grinning, leaning in close enough to practically smell the signal. "Yeah," Elara admitted.
A soft, genuine laugh vibrated through the line. It caught Elara off guard. It was the sound of a man who was truly happy, a sound she hadn’t heard during the tense dinner at the manor. For a split second, she pictured his smile—the way his eyes probably crinkled at the corners—and she couldn't stop her own lips from curving upward.
"Let me guess," Lucas said. "It’s your friend, Mina. Right?"
"Yes," she answered, her voice softening. "You're right."
"Okay. Well, I called because I want to inform you that you’re coming with me on my business trip. It’s just three days. Actually..." his tone shifted, becoming more professional, more distant. "My grandparents don't want me to leave the city unless I bring you with me. And then, thhey suggested you stay at the manor while I'm gone, but I know you wouldn't be comfortable there. So, I decided you'll go with me instead. For your safety."
The smile on Elara’s face didn't just fade; it vanished.
In her mind, the high-ceilinged study of the Draeven manor rushed back to meet her. She heard his quiet, steady voice echoing: “I know my responsibility. That has to be enough for now.”
The warmth she had felt a second ago turned into a cold, stingy ache. She wasn't an invitee; she was a piece of luggage he had to keep track of so his grandfather wouldn't worry.
"When is that?" she asked, her voice sounding flat even to her own ears.
"Two days from now. I’ll have Riven fetch you at your apartment. Just prepare the essentials; we can buy whatever else we need there. Okay?"
"Okay," she whispered.
"That’s all. Have a good night tonight, and be safe."
The line went dead before she could even say goodbye. Elara stared at the darkened screen for a few seconds, the hum of the city feeling suddenly much louder, before she slipped the phone back into her bag.
"Who was that, huh?" Mina’s voice was teasing, her shoulder bumping against Elara’s.
"You’re becoming so secretive lately. Is that the Prince Charming, Lucas?"
Elara shook her head, her movements stiff. "It’s not."
"Oh, come on!" Mina laughed, swinging her bag.
"The moment you heard that voice, your whole world shine. You smiled so beautifully. And then, poof—you became sad all of a sudden. I’m sure it’s your Prince Charming. That’s exactly how I look when I’m in love."
Elara scratched the side of her head, feeling the heat of frustration and embarrassment rise.
"You know what? You're just imagining things. Let’s go. I’m hungry already."
She hurried her pace, trying to dismiss the topic, but Mina followed with a playful shake of her head.
"Oh, love," Mina sighed, throwing in one last remark as they reached the corner.
“It makes you glow, and then it makes you crazy.”