I excused myself from Elena, placing a guilty kiss on her cheek.
"You should rest now," I said softly.
She smiled at me. That calm smile again. The one that made me feel seen and unseen at the same time.
"I will," she replied.
I quietly left the room, sliding her door shut behind me.
The moment the door clicked closed, I inhaled deeply. My chest felt tight. Too tight. Like I had been holding my breath the entire time I was in there.
I needed air.
Now.
And fast.
I stood there for a second, pressing my palm against my chest, trying to calm the rhythm of my heart. My mind replayed her words.
Have you ever betrayed someone, Lys?
I swallowed.
Then I finally turned and headed downstairs.
From the top of the stairs, I could see the party still glowing beneath me. Laughter. Soft music. Glasses clinking. The lights were dimmer now, warmer. More intimate.
And then I saw him.
Victor.
