Across the terrace, for one suspended heartbeat, everything else blurred. The noise, the laughter, the shimmering light, all dimmed to the simple stillness of her violet eyes locking with his golden ones.
She hesitated. Just slightly. Then, as though deciding something, she began walking toward him.
Sera mouthed a silent oh no.
Renn immediately straightened his jacket like a soldier before a superior.
When Elara reached their table, the conversation died entirely.
"Merlin," she said, tone neutral, though her eyes flickered with something warmer. "I didn't expect to see you sitting so far from the center."
He tilted his head. "Didn't want to be part of the exhibit."
Her lips curved faintly. "A shame. You'd make a compelling one."
That earned a low whistle from Renn, quickly silenced when Leira elbowed him in the ribs.
Elara's eyes moved to the rest of the team. "You all performed well today."
