The Threads

"Do you really think that little stunt is going to win you any favors around here?"

Aria's voice cut through the noise of the bustling café where she and Dante sat, tension hanging in the air like a thick fog. She glanced at him, her brow furrowed in annoyance as she stirred her coffee. "This isn't a game, Dante. You can't just waltz in and expect everyone to overlook your—"

He leaned closer, his intensity forcing her to pause. "You're right. It's not a game, and you need to remember that." The sharpness of his tone made her heart race, a mix of fear and excitement coursing through her.

They were in a public space, yet the intimacy of their conversation made Aria feel as if they were the only two people in the world. She could sense the eyes of other patrons flicking toward them, whispering about the heir to the Vale empire and his mysterious partner, but right now, she was more concerned with the storm brewing between them.