A pang of frustration gnaws at me as I check my holo-comms again, only to see the same blank screen. For the third time, Leona hasn't picked up, and it's beginning to feel like I'm calling into a void. It's only been two days since we last talked—about the progress on Pulsar's resort—but the silence feels longer, weighted.
Did I do something wrong? The question echoes in my mind, uninvited and persistent. I find myself replaying that last conversation, looking for any offhand comment, any hint of annoyance or disinterest on her end. But nothing stands out. Still, I can't shake the feeling that something's changed, and it bothers me more than it should.
My fingers hover over the controls, tempted to pull up her location, to track her down if only to see her face. I catch myself, forcing my hand back. No, not yet. No need to go nuclear. Not yet, anyway. Besides, it's Leona—if she wanted distance, she'd tell me. Right?
A sigh escapes as I lean back, staring at the flickering city lights outside my window. I've dealt with tougher situations, with bigger stakes and higher risks, yet here I am, unsettled over missed calls. A rare feeling, this one.
But patience has never been my strong suit, especially not when it comes to her. A part of me itches to just show up unannounced, to close the distance she's put between us and settle whatever this silence is once and for all. But for now, I wait, holding onto that last thread of restraint—though every passing hour makes it harder to ignore the urge to see her again.
***
I wake up slowly, stretching and feeling the ache of yesterday's sightseeing still lingering in my muscles. I'm starving. The clock on my hotel wall reads 10 p.m., and the darkness outside confirms it. Thankfully, this luxurious place on Enerion offers 24-hour room service, so I quickly put in an order, my mouth watering as I think of what's coming.
While I wait, I grab my intercom. Flicking it on, I find a surprise—13 missed calls from Zane. Oops. A pang of guilt hits me, but I can't help the grin that slips onto my face. I call him back, and he picks up instantly.
"Siren, you finally remember me," he says, his tone playfully accusing.
A laugh bubbles out of me. "I'm sorry, I was exhausted," I say. "Give me a sec—I'll connect to my hologlyph." I link my intercom to the triangular device, and in seconds, Zane's face appears, filling my vision. He's sitting at a desk, dressed in a sharp three-piece suit, with the bright city lights of Neo Novus sparkling in the background.
"You're working this late?" I ask, eyes roaming over him, taking in the way he rubs the back of his neck and runs a hand through his golden hair. He really is painfully handsome.
"Yeah," he says with a slight smile.
"Can't even remember the last time I made it to my actual apartment." Then he stops, looking closer at the screen with a frown. "Hold on a second. Where are you? That doesn't look like Pulsar's," he says, suspicion clear in his voice.
I can't help but laugh at his reaction. "I'm on Enerion," I admit, feeling slightly guilty for not telling him.
His expression shifts to surprise. "And you didn't think to mention that little detail to your friend?" he says, voice laced with faux offense. "I would've come to see you."
"Zane, Enerion is five hours away from Neo Novus," I remind him, rolling my eyes.
He leans back, crossing his arms, smirking. "Actually, it's more like two hours—when you have my pockets," he teases, flaunting his wealth.
The asshole. I raise an eyebrow, half-amused, half-annoyed at his cocky grin, and yet...he's so charming that I don't even put up a fight.
"Send me your location," he says, leaning in with a boyish smile, his eyes bright with excitement. "I'll be there as soon as I can."
With a small smile, I sigh in defeat and send him my location, already feeling the familiar flutter of anticipation at seeing him again.