A pause. Then a short, clipped response. And just like that, the call ended.
He stood there for a moment longer than necessary, eyes narrowing slightly as if replaying whatever had just been said.
Then he turned back.
—
When Julian returned, the shift in him was immediate. The warmth of earlier concern was gone. What replaced it was something sharper. Structured.
Focused. He crossed the room without hesitation, bypassing the celebrating staff and the still-glowing screens, heading straight for Amara.
"Amara." His voice cut through the noise just enough for her to look up.
She hadn't fully rejoined the celebration, only observed it from where she sat, still processing the aftermath, still holding onto the quiet weight beneath the victory.
Julian reached her side and gently guided her a step away from the crowd. Not forceful. But firm enough that it was clear he wasn't asking.
Her brows lifted slightly, but she allowed it. "What is it?" she asked softly.
