Kira's pov
"Shall we go?" Professor Elias asked gently after we'd finished our meal. "I imagine you'd like to avoid any further... unpleasantness."
I nodded, grateful for his understanding. The weight of Damon's stare had been burning into my back throughout dinner.
As I stood and reached for my bag, a ripple of whispers swept through the restaurant.
"Is that—?"
"It can't be. He never comes to the capital—"
"Look at the convoy outside!"
Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, I could see what had captured everyone's attention. A line of sleek black vehicles had pulled up to the restaurant entrance, their tinted windows and military-grade armor unmistakable. Elite guards in formal uniforms flanked the doorway.
The restaurant's atmosphere shifted instantly before he even entered.
I re
