The club buzzed with energy, the crowd feeding off the magnetic pull of Phoenix and Lyra's shared rhythm. Phoenix felt the heat of the lights, the music coursing through her, drowning out the ache still clawing at her chest. For now, she let herself forget.
Lyra leaned in, yelling over the music. "This is the most alive I've ever seen you, Phoenix!"
Phoenix laughed—a real, unguarded laugh. It felt strange on her lips but liberating all the same. She spun around, letting the tempo carry her, and for a moment, she was free.
From the bar, Eren watched her with a furrowed brow. His jaw clenched as he turned to Avon. "Something's wrong."
Avon raised an eyebrow. "She's just dancing."
"She's not like this," Eren muttered, his gaze flicking back to Phoenix. "Not unless something's seriously bothering her."
Astrid sipped her drink thoughtfully. "He's got a point. She's… hiding something."
