The house felt quieter than usual.
Not peaceful.
Not tense.
Just… waiting.
⸻
Elara stood by the balcony doors, her phone in her hand, staring at the screen without really seeing it.
The city lights flickered in the distance.
But her mind was elsewhere.
On the meeting.
On the warning.
On him.
⸻
You’re being watched.
⸻
A soft knock came from behind her.
Maya stepped in, arms folded loosely. “You’ve been standing there for ten minutes.”
Elara didn’t turn immediately. “I know.”
Maya tilted her head. “Still thinking about him?”
A pause.
Then—
“Yes.”
⸻
Maya exhaled slowly, stepping closer. “Talk to me.”
Elara turned this time, leaning lightly against the glass.
“He didn’t feel like he was lying,” she said. “That’s what’s bothering me.”
Maya frowned slightly. “So you thin
