Noah stepped into Eclipse headquarters, his mind still replaying the kiss at Angel's doorstep. The faction building was quieter than usual at this hour, most members having retired for the night after the excitement of watching him fight.
He made it maybe ten steps toward his quarters before Sophie appeared from a side corridor.
"How was dinner?" Her tone was pleasant, conversational, but Noah recognized the edge underneath it. The same edge a prosecutor might use when they already knew the answer and were just waiting to see if you'd lie.
"Good. Angel's actually an excellent cook. Made steak and—"
"Did anything happen?"
Noah carefully considered his response. Lying would be detected immediately and make things worse. But telling the complete truth felt like walking into a minefield blindfolded.
"We talked. About her time in Ark Division, about the responsibilities that come with power. It was... nice. Just conversation."
