Ashes of Our Flame
Episode 3: "The Deal"
The man dragged out of the ballroom was a message.
Not for Kara.
For everyone else.
Play nice—or bleed.
The music picked back up like nothing happened. Glasses clinked. Laughter resumed. But the illusion had cracked, and Adrian watched Kara through it.
"You didn't ask what that was about," he said.
"I didn't need to," Kara replied. "I've seen power before. It usually comes with blood on its shoes."
Adrian tilted his head, intrigued. "You speak like someone who's been close to it."
"Too close," she said. "But not anymore."
He leaned in. "Then why are you here?"
Kara's smile was pure ice. "Maybe I like dancing with fire."
Tessa's voice clicked in her ear again. "Careful. You're slipping into character a little too well."
Kara whispered, "He's testing me. And I'm testing him back."
Adrian offered his hand again. "Dance with me."
She hesitated. Every second in his arms was a risk. But also a chance.
So she placed her hand in his, letting the enemy pull her into the center of the storm.
They moved in sync. His grip was firm. Controlled. But his eyes searched hers like they were trying to crack her open.
"Stay for the afterparty," he said softly. "We have... business to discuss."
"What kind of business?"
"A deal," he said, voice velvet and danger. "You seem too smart to be just another pretty face. I need smart people."
"And I need people who don't lie for a living."
He smirked. "Then we're both in the wrong room."
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To be continued in Episode 4…
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