The next day, Lucien arranged a meeting in a secluded location: a high-rise café overlooking the city.
Ava followed him nervously, still processing the memory that had returned. The city lights shimmered below, but she barely noticed the view.
Lucien's hand brushed hers as they walked—subtle, but electrifying. She felt a familiar heat curl in her chest.
When they arrived, a man in a tailored black suit waited. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes were sharp, calculating.
"Ava," Lucien said quietly. "Meet Elias. He's… someone who can help you navigate the people who want you dead."
Ava studied him warily. "Why should I trust him?"
Lucien's jaw tightened. "Because right now, you have no choice."
Elias stepped forward. "Ms. Ava, your life was erased for a reason. And now, those who erased you are watching. If we want to survive, we have to be smart."
Ava swallowed. She felt the heat in her chest, Lucien's presence beside her, and the dangerous thrill of being caught between two powerful men.
Lucien's fingers brushed hers again, holding her attention. She glanced at him. His eyes softened slightly, but the intensity didn't fade.
"You'll need to follow instructions carefully," Lucien said. "And Ava…"
She looked up.
"…don't let anyone touch you without my permission."
Her pulse spiked. "I… I won't."
Lucien nodded, satisfied, though his gaze lingered longer than necessary.
Ava's mind whirled. She had just met Elias, a man claiming to help her, but her heart and instincts screamed that Lucien was the only one she could truly trust.