CHAPTER SIX

JULIAN

The words settle between us, heavy with something unspoken.

It sounds like a warning. Or an invitation. I’m not sure which.

I just know, even with my senses tingling, I still don’t step back. I don’t walk away like I should.

Around us, the party is still going on, loud and messy. But at that moment, it feels distant. Muted. 

Like none of it matters.

Like this… whatever it is… is the only thing that does.

I force out a small scoff, trying to regain control of the conversation. “And what exactly should I be scared of?”

There’s the faintest shift in Nikolai’s expression. It isn’t quite a smile or anything warm. 

Before he can respond, a familiar voice cuts in.

“Julian?”

Theo.

Relief floods me so quickly it almost feels embarrassing. But beneath that, there is a little bit of guilt, like I’ve been caught doing something I shouldn’t.

I push that away and turn toward him immediately.

Theo steps up beside me, his presence warm, grounding. His gaze flicks between us, confusion settling on his face.

He doesn’t speak at first. His gaze lingers on Nikolai as if waiting for something.

Then, he says slowly. “Nikolai?”

There’s tension in his voice now. A little bit of coldness too, making his voice hard.

Nikolai doesn’t look at him at first.

His eyes stay on me for a second longer and then he shifts his attention.

“Hello,” he says.

His tone is neutral. Empty. Disinterested.

He doesn’t even say his name. It's like nothing has ever happened between them. Like Theo is just a stranger he’s being polite to.

Beside me, Theo goes completely still. If I couldn’t see the rise and fall of his chest, I’d think he's turned into a statue.

My jaw clenches. 

How dare Nikolai not even have the decency to acknowledge him? How dare he act like Theo’s someone that’s easily forgotten, someone easily cast away?

I open my mouth to speak, not even sure of what I’m about to say, but Nikolai is already stepping back.

Disengaging, like the conversation is over.

Like he’s said everything he came to say.

“Enjoy the party,” he says, his eyes swinging between us, his voice smooth, almost polite.

Then he turns and walks away.

Just like that.

I stare after him, my mind spinning.

“What was that? What did he want?” Theo asks, his voice tight.

I shake my head slowly. “I don’t know. He didn’t say anything meaningful.”

But that's not entirely true. It's just that I don't know how to explain it to Theo.

Something about our interaction feels more.

The way he looked at me.

The things he said.

It didn’t feel random.

It didn’t feel meaningless.

And I’m not sure if that’s a good thing.

Because it feels like I’ve just caught the attention of a dangerous predator.