The ride back from the gathering was quiet and heavy with tension. The air in the limo felt thick, each passenger lost in their own thoughts. Kyra sat stiffly by the window, her arms crossed tightly over her chest as she stared into the passing night. Ryder kept glancing at her, his concern deepening with each mile. Dorian and Leslie exchanged wary looks but kept silent, sensing the fragile state of the moment.
When they pulled up to the hotel, Kyra didn’t wait for the driver to open the door. She quickly stepped out, her heels clicking against the pavement as she practically ran inside. Dorian called after her, but she ignored him, snatching the keys from his hand without a word.
“Kyra, wait—” Ryder started, but she was already heading toward the stairs.
He followed her closely, his wo
