Elena's POV
"Wear something comfortable. No heels, no cocktail dress, nothing that requires performing for anyone."
Damian's text had arrived that morning without explanation, and I'd spent most of the day quietly curious about what exactly warranted such specific instructions after weeks of galas and council dinners and carefully staged public appearances. By the time he picked me up that evening, dressed down himself in a simple sweater and jeans I'd never seen him wear before, I understood the request had been entirely genuine.
"You look different," I said, studying him with open curiosity as I climbed into the car.
"Off duty, for once." A faint, easy smile crossed his face, more relaxed than I'd seen him in weeks. "No board members tonight. No council elders watching our every move
