That night, the grand hall was alive with music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. Chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a warm glow over the sea of finely dressed nobles. Eli moved through the crowd, her face framed by the soft curls of her hair, her gown a shade of deep blue that shimmered with every step she took.
On the outside, she appeared as though she was merely attending another social event. But beneath the practiced smile, her heart raced. She had a mission tonight, and she needed to keep her true intentions hidden.
As she made her way through the clusters of people, a few acquaintances waved or tried to stop her for a polite conversation, but Eli evaded them with an effortless grace. She couldn't get sidetracked now, not when she was so close. She scanned the room, searching for any familiar faces—anyone who might have information about Adira.
Suddenly, a voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Lady Matheris!" A man in a sharp suit stepped in front of her, bowing slightly. His name escaped her for a moment, but his smile was too eager to ignore. "What an honor to see you here tonight. I must say, it's been a while since we've had the pleasure of your company at such gatherings."
Eli offered him a courteous smile, her mind already moving ahead to how she could steer the conversation. "Yes, I've been quite busy lately, as I'm sure you understand. Research takes up a great deal of time." She tried to keep the conversation light, but her gaze kept darting past him, searching.
"Ah, yes, your groundbreaking work." The man chuckled, though there was an edge of condescension to it. "Always admired your dedication. But surely even a brilliant mind like yours must have a moment for the simpler pleasures of life?"
Eli resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Of course," she replied smoothly. "In fact, I'm quite curious about some of the guests here tonight. I've heard... interesting rumors." Her eyes finally settled on a group across the room, where she thought she saw a face she recognized. "Speaking of which, do you happen to know if there's any truth to the whispers about Adira?"
The man's expression faltered slightly, and his gaze flickered with curiosity. "Adira? Ah, yes. There have been murmurs, though nothing is ever certain in these circles, is it? But... I suppose it's possible he survived the war." He leaned in conspiratorially. "You know, Lady Matheris, people talk. Some say he's been seen recently, though I haven't had the fortune—or misfortune, depending on how you see it—of running into him myself."
Eli's heart skipped a beat, but she kept her expression calm. "I see. That's quite the rumor. I wonder if there's more to it. Perhaps someone here knows for certain?"
The man smirked. "If you're looking for answers, there's a gentleman in the corner, Lord Vernius. He's been involved in military affairs—has an ear on the ground, so to speak. Might be able to confirm or deny such tales."
Eli inclined her head. "Thank you. I'll be sure to ask him." With that, she excused herself and made her way across the room toward Lord Vernius.
As she approached, her palms felt clammy. She had no idea how deep this rumor went, but she had to know the truth.
"Lady Matheris," a deep voice greeted her as she arrived at Lord Vernius's side. He was a broad-shouldered man with a hawkish gaze, clearly accustomed to the weight of authority. "I wasn't expecting to see you tonight. Come to enjoy the festivities?"
"Something like that," Eli replied, her voice steady. "Actually, I was hoping you could help me with something... personal."
Vernius raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Personal, you say? You've piqued my curiosity, my lady."
Eli took a breath. "I've heard a name mentioned tonight. Adira. They say... he's alive."
Vernius's eyes darkened slightly, and he took a sip of his drink before answering. "Ah, yes. The name has been circulating for weeks now. But you, of all people, would be most interested, wouldn't you?"
"I need to know if it's true," she said, her voice more urgent than she intended. "Do you have any information?"
Vernius studied her for a long moment, weighing his words. "I've heard the rumors, yes. But truth? That's harder to come by. He's a ghost, Lady Matheris. If he's alive, he's hiding well. But some say they've seen him... in places one wouldn't expect. The underworld. Places where a man like him wouldn't go, unless he had no choice."
Eli's breath hitched. "Where?"
Before Vernius could answer, another voice cut through the conversation.
"Looking for someone?" Rai's cold voice sliced through the air as he appeared at her side. His eyes locked onto hers, dark with suspicion and something far more dangerous.
Eli froze, her heart pounding in her chest. "Rai..."
Unbeknownst to her, Rai had also come to the party. He saw her the moment she stepped inside, and as the evening wore on, his suspicions grew. Something about her presence felt different, more deliberate. When he overheard a group discussing Adira's possible survival, he realized what she was really after.
His heart clenched painfully in his chest. He had known, deep down, that Eli had never truly moved on from Adira. How could she?
Rai couldn't take it any longer. "So," he said, his voice cold as ice. "You're still searching for him?"
Eli froze. She hadn't heard him approach, and now that he was there, she didn't know how to respond. She turned to face him, seeing the hurt in his eyes, the barely-contained anger beneath the surface.
Vernius, sensing the tension, took a step back. "I'll leave you two to your... conversation."
Once he was gone, Rai stepped closer, his voice dropping low. "What are you doing, Eli?"
"I—I was just—"
"Searching for Adira," he finished for her, his tone bitter. "You couldn't just let me go, could you? You need to have both of us."
Eli clenched her fists, trying to steady herself. "Rai, this isn't what you think."
*