Her brain registered him immediately.
His face. His posture. His presence.
But her heart hesitated.
Her chest tightened in a way that had nothing to do with the music or the crowd. That presence… it couldn't be him. And yet, it was. Time slowed, the noise dulling into a distant hum as recognition crept in, unwelcome and undeniable.
Cassian stepped forward.
The world around him blurred, lights and laughter dissolving into nothing as his sole focus narrowed onto Mira. She stood there, so achingly familiar, so painfully real, that it felt unreal all at once. His steps were instinctive, drawn by something older than logic, deeper than reason.
And then suddenly—
A voice from behind her.
"Mira? What are you doing here? Let's go home now."
A hand reached out and gently took hers.
Cassian froze.
A man.
