Chapter 19:Truths and Half Lies

Lira wasn't sure what she had expected when she told Zayn she was ready to know the truth. But standing next to him on the dimly lit street, she realized she might not be as ready as she thought.

Zayn's expression was unreadable—his dark eyes locked on hers, searching for something. "Lira," he said after a long silence, "I don't want you to get caught up in something you don't understand."

"I already am," Lira said, crossing her arms. "So tell me."

Zayn exhaled, looking up at the sky like he was debating something. Finally, he spoke, his voice quieter this time. "You ever feel like some people aren't what they seem?"

Lira's stomach twisted. "What do you mean?"

Zayn hesitated, then shook his head. "Forget it."

"Zayn," she said, stepping closer. "Don't do that. You always start saying something important and then stop halfway. Just tell me."

His jaw clenched, but before he could respond, the sound of footsteps echoed from behind them.

Jace.

Lira turned to see him approaching, his expression unusually serious. His hands were stuffed into his pockets, and he looked between her and Zayn before speaking.

"Didn't think I'd find you two here," Jace said casually, but there was an edge to his voice.

Zayn straightened, his whole posture shifting. "And why were you looking?"

Jace shrugged. "Call it concern."

"For Lira?" Zayn asked.

Jace didn't answer immediately. He looked at Lira instead. "Are you okay?"

Lira blinked, surprised. "Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"

Jace didn't look convinced, but he nodded. "Good." Then he glanced back at Zayn, his expression unreadable. "Just making sure."

For a few seconds, the silence between them was suffocating. Lira looked between them, feeling something unspoken pass between them.

Zayn was the first to break the silence. "You should go home, Lira."

Lira frowned. "What?"

"It's late."

Lira hesitated. She knew there was more to this. "I don't want to go home. I want answers."

Zayn shook his head, frustration clear on his face. "Not tonight."

Jace stepped closer. "Why not? What's stopping you from telling her?"

Zayn's gaze flickered toward Jace, and something in his expression darkened. "You don't get it, do you?"

Jace's jaw tightened. "No, Zayn. I think I get it better than you do."

Lira looked between them, heart pounding. What was going on?

Before she could say anything, Zayn took a step back. "Just go home, Lira." His voice was quieter this time.

Lira hesitated, but eventually, she nodded. She didn't want to leave, but something told her that pushing Zayn further wouldn't help.

But as she walked away, she had a sinking feeling that this was only the beginning.