Elera's POV
The event was still going on, but I could already feel the weight of it settling into my shoulders.
Mr. Orion was deep in conversation with a group of people—important people, judging by the way everyone leaned in when they spoke. I stood beside him for a few minutes, nodding politely, smiling when necessary, until I realized I needed air.
"Excuse me for a moment," I said quietly.
He nodded. "Don't wander too far."
I smiled and slipped away before I could overthink it.
The room felt different when I wasn't standing beside him. Less structured. Louder. I scanned the crowd until I spotted Belle instantly—of course I did. She stood out effortlessly, surrounded by people, laughing like she owned the room.
I made my way toward her.
"Oh look who it is," she announced dramatically the moment she saw me. "My beautiful best friend in the whole world."
I froze.
Several heads turned in my direction.
"Belle," I hissed, mortified. "Stop it. You'll disgrace me."
She laughed, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "Relax. You look stunning. I'm just stating facts."
I shook my head, smiling despite myself—and that was when I noticed the man standing beside her.
Tall.
Well-dressed.
And dangerously good-looking.
"Hi," he said, stepping forward slightly. "I'm Zane Ashford. Belle's cousin."
Wow.
That was the only word that formed in my head.
He wasn't just handsome—he was effortlessly so. Warm smile. Confident posture. The kind of presence that made you feel noticed without trying too hard.
"Elera Brooke," I replied, hoping my voice sounded normal.
He nodded, smiling wider. "Nice to finally meet you."
"Zane," Belle cut in sharply, eyes narrowing playfully, "don't ooze over my friend."
We all chuckled.
"I'm serious," she added. "She's not allowed to be stolen."
Zane laughed. "Noted."
Then, casually—too casually—he said, "There's an after-party once this wraps up. I'd love it if you came along, Elera. Bills on me."
My heart skipped.
This day cannot get any better, I thought.
Before I could respond, he gave a small nod and walked away, leaving me staring after him like I'd forgotten how to breathe.
Belle leaned in. "You're welcome."
I rolled my eyes, still smiling.
I made my way back to Mr. Orion shortly after, slipping back into my place beside him.
"Hey," he said quietly. "Where have you been?"
"I just went to have a little chit-chat with Belle," I replied.
He smiled, nodding. "Good."
I hesitated, then added, "I'll be staying back after the event. Belle asked me to."
He didn't look surprised. "Alright. I'll leave you behind then."
I smiled inwardly as I lifted my glass, taking a small sip. The nerves I'd arrived with earlier had softened into something lighter—almost excitement.
Then—
"Orion Clint."
The voice cut through the noise.
Deep.
Cold.
Sharp enough to send a chill straight down my spine.
I turned toward the sound instinctively.
And forgot how to breathe.
He was tall—noticeably so. Broad shoulders, sharp jawline, dark hair styled neatly. His suit fit him perfectly, hugging his frame in a way that spoke of quiet authority. His presence alone shifted the energy around him.
Those eyes met mine for just a second.
And held.
I had seen many men tonight.
None of them came close.
"Axel," Mr. Orion said, his tone respectful.
So they knew each other.
I stood there, suddenly very aware of myself—my posture, my breathing, the way my heart was beating far too fast for no logical reason.
Axel's gaze flicked briefly to me.
He looked at me first—briefly—then turned his attention back to Orion.
I wasn't sure why my chest tightened at that.
It wasn't like he had called my name. He hadn't even acknowledged me properly. He'd said Orion, not me. So why was I still standing there, aware of every breath I took?
I reached for my glass, preparing to turn away—
"Who is she?" he asked.
The question stopped me mid-motion.
Orion smiled, the kind of knowing smile that made me suddenly feel like I was standing under a spotlight. "This is Elera Brooke. Elera, this is Axel Lancaster."
So that was his name.
Axel Lancaster.
I turned fully toward him, forcing myself to breathe normally, and offered a polite smile. "Nice to meet you."
He studied me for a second longer than necessary before returning the gesture—a cold, restrained smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Likewise," he said.
His voice was just as intimidating as it had sounded moments earlier.
Orion continued, oblivious to the sudden tension I felt. "Didn't expect to see you here tonight."
Axel shifted his attention back to him. "I didn't expect to be here either. But this event turned out to be… necessary."
His tone was firm, unreadable.
I focused on my drink then, pretending to be deeply interested in the glass in my hand. I reminded myself that this conversation had nothing to do with me. I was just standing nearby. Existing. Nothing more.
"Have you heard from the others?" Orion asked.
Axel nodded slightly. "Roman wants to have fun, for some reason. Are you tagging along?"
Orion shook his head. "No. I have another engagement later. You'll fill me in?"
Axel smirked faintly. "You're a douchebag."
Then, without another word, he walked away.
Just like that.
I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding.
Orion turned back to me, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Having fun?"
I nodded slowly. "Yeah."
He chuckled under his breath, the smirk returning to his face—like he knew something I didn't.
And for reasons I couldn't explain, I suddenly had the unsettling feeling that this night wasn't done with me yet.