Leo's office

Zim, still starry-eyed, leaned toward Thea with an excited grin.

"You're, like… stupidly pretty. If you ever break up with Aven, I call dibs."

Thea laughed, flicking her hair over her shoulder. "You're adorable. But sorry, I don't break things I fight to own."

Zim dramatically clutched her heart. "She's even poetic—goddess behavior."

But then Thea's gaze shifted—and locked directly onto Jace.

The playful spark in her eyes dimmed.

Her jaw tightened just enough for it to be noticeable.

Jace raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms, already bracing.

"Thea Rowan," he said, voice flat. "Still setting things on fire just to watch them burn?"

"Jace bloody Mercer," she replied, her smile syrupy and cold. "Still mistaking bitterness for personality?"

Nova blinked. "Okay what did I miss?"

"Long story," Thea said, not taking her eyes off Jace. "Involving a shattered debate trophy, a ruined reputation, and someone who couldn't handle losing to a girl."

Jace scoffed. "Oh please. You bribed the judge."

"Bribed?" Thea laughed, stepping closer. "Honey, I dismantled you. Your arguments were as shaky as your taste in shirts."

I choked back a laugh.

Zim whispered to me, "Okay I officially don't know if I want to be her or fear her."

Jace was still glaring, but Aven stepped between them quickly, one arm going around Thea's shoulder.

"Alright, that's enough trauma flashbacks for one night," he muttered, trying to drag her toward the drinks.

She let him, but not before giving Jace one last parting smile—sweet like venom.

"I missed some of you," she said brightly. "And some of you? Still disappoint."

Then she was gone—floating off with Aven like a queen reclaiming her court.

Jace let out a breath. "I see your fiancée hasn't changed."

Nova smirked. "And yet… she might be the only one here who know Leo personally."

I glanced toward Leo. He was watching. Eyes narrowed. Jaw tight. Like he wasn't sure if he wanted to protect Thea—or throttle her.

And I?

I was standing between the guy who left a gun in my room…

…and the girl who just flipped the entire group dynamic upside down.

And something told me…

This night was far from over.

Just as Thea and Aven were about to disappear into the crowd, Thea paused.

She turned—slowly—and her eyes landed on Nova.

The entire vibe shifted.

No more jokes. No teasing smirks.

Just… direct, unnervingly calm eye contact.

Nova straightened a little, her guard instinctively rising.

"Thea," she said politely, but cool.

"Nova," Thea returned, her voice smooth but edged with steel.

A tense beat of silence.

Then Thea tilted her head, studying her like someone analyzing a chessboard.

"I heard about that alley incident," she said quietly—voice meant only for us. "The one where someone played hero."

Nova didn't flinch, but her jaw tensed.

"I also heard a rose was involved."

My blood froze.

Nova glanced at me briefly—just once—then back at Thea.

"You hear a lot, don't you?"

Thea smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.

"I make it a point to."

Another pause.

Then Thea stepped forward—just one inch too close—and said softly,

"Be careful who you let into your blind spots, Nova.

You're not the only one with sharp instincts."

And just like that, she turned—heels clicking—then spotted me hovering awkwardly beside Nova.

Her expression softened.

"Hey Kael," she said, voice instantly gentler. "You okay?"

I blinked. "Uh… yeah. Just processing the whiplash."

She chuckled, genuinely this time. "You'll get used to it. Aven still hasn't."

Before I could respond, Zim popped up behind her, arms dramatically folded.

"You're prettier than I expected," Zim said bluntly, eyes raking her outfit. "Which is rude, by the way. And illegal."

Thea turned with raised brows. "Illegal?"

"Yeah," Zim said with a smirk, "Because you just stole all my attention, and I'm pressing charges."

Nova groaned. I snorted.

Thea blinked… then cracked a grin.

"Nice try," she said, flicking a finger under Zim's chin. "But I'm immune to chaos flirts. Lived with Leo too long."

"Oof," Zim fake-staggered back. "A counterattack. I'm in love already."

Thea winked, then turned back to me one last time—expression still light, but eyes thoughtful.

"Stay sharp, Kael."

She rejoined Aven, dragging a mildly stunned Zim in her wake.

"Seriously, Thea," Zim said, clutching her chest, "you wear red like heartbreak and danger had a lovechild. And I—I am but a humble victim."

Thea laughed lightly, clearly entertained but unfazed. "You're relentless, huh?"

Zim wiggled her brows. "I'm a menace, baby."

Before she could add another line to her flirt-resume, Aven stepped in—voice low, but his glare enough to pierce stone.

"Zim," he said, "reminder: you're still very much in a relationship with Jessi. You know… your girlfriend?"

Zim blinked.

Then winced.

"Oh, crap. Right."

Thea raised a brow, amused. "You're cheating on your girlfriend with me in ?"

Zim raised her hands in mock surrender. "I swear, this is all legally harmless!"

Zim said , " wait im not cheating okay I still love Jessi"

Nova groaned into her soda. "God help us."

I just tried not to choke on mine.

Thea, shaking her head with a grin, gave Zim a friendly pat. "I like you. You're exhausting, but entertaining."

Zim winked. "That's what Jessi said when she fell in love."

Aven looked ready to throttle her.

But Thea was already pulling him away, flashing us one last playful smile before slipping into the shadows of the bar crowd.

Nova leaned over to me. "She's gonna break Zim's entire brain."

And I was left with Nova—silent and frowning.

"She's dangerous," Nova said under her breath. "Not in a bad way. Just…"

"She knows too much," I murmured.

Nova nodded.

We didn't say anything else after that.

Because in a room full of noise and flashing lights—

The real danger just smiled, in red heels and perfect timing.

As Thea disappeared deeper into the bar with Aven and the others buzzed around trying to piece together the chaos she brought in her heels, I felt it again—that pull.

My eyes drifted sideways.

Leo was already watching me.

His expression unreadable.

And then, he sighed—tilted his head ever so slightly, a silent gesture.

Follow me.

I hesitated for half a second. Then pushed off the booth and slipped away from the noise, trailing behind him.

The music dulled. The lights dimmed.

We walked past the bar counter, down a narrow hallway with peeling posters and flickering overheads, until we reached a black door with no label.

Leo unlocked it with a key from around his neck.

His office.

He stepped inside first, then turned around, eyes meeting mine again before silently shutting the door behind me.

The lock clicked.

I swallowed.

The room smelled like leather, whiskey, and… him. Subtle cologne. Cold air conditioning. And something sharp I couldn't place.

Leo walked around his desk slowly, resting his hand on the edge, then finally spoke—low and calm.

"You brought it?"

I nodded slowly and pulled out the jacket from my bag, folded neatly, the weight of it heavier than it should've been.

I placed it on the desk.

His eyes didn't leave mine as he picked it up.

No smile. No thank you. Just intensity.

"Did you open the pocket?" he asked.

I didn't reply.

Because he already knew the answer.

Leo exhaled through his nose, dragging a hand down his face. "You really shouldn't have done that, Kael."