"So, I decided to give up. I didn't realize it before, but I'm pretty selfish. I'm the kind of person who puts her own safety before love."
Max rested her chin on her hand and let her lips curl upward. It was her usual smile, but maybe because of the dim restaurant lighting, it looked a bit bitter.
"Oh, I'm leaving right after my birthday," she added, her voice turning bright again as if she had never been serious. "I'm having a big party, and you have to come, Lyra. I'll text you about it."
She grinned mischievously, and the tight feeling in my chest finally loosened. I wondered if Elara would actually let me go, but since Max was going away for such a long time, I felt bad saying no.
I nodded quickly.
"Of course I'll go. When is it?"
"That's a secret," Max said, leaning back. "I'll tell you later. It wouldn't be any fun if I told you now."
