The drive to the venue was quiet, but not empty.
Elara sat beside Dante, her back straight, her gaze fixed ahead, yet her thoughts moved with sharp clarity. The file she had studied earlier lingered in her mind, every name now carrying weight, every detail forming quiet patterns she could not ignore.
She was not walking into the night blind. Not anymore.
Dante had not spoken since they left the mansion. His presence filled the space in a way that did not demand attention, yet never allowed it to drift. One arm rested near the window, his posture relaxed, but there was nothing careless about it.
Elara felt his awareness without needing to look at him.
"Do you always go silent before something important?" she asked, her voice calm, but edged with intention.
Dante turned his head slight
