ophia barely heard them. Her heart was still racing from Adrian

Sophia's attention wandered, her eyes tracing the room's edges. Somet

urmurs clipped. One by the staircase lifted his wrist to his mouth, speaking quickly in

e wasn't imagining this

ing for lightning to strike,"

re," Sophia admitte

heir glanced at you? Please. You should be enj

t that. It's... the atmosphere.

just the Rom-" She cut herself off abruptly, eyes fli

polite, but his gaze lingered too long on Sop

n a smile. "Of co

eyes. He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Be careful w

respond, another fig

air shifted again. The suited man straightened instantl

nce alone was command enough. The man dipped his

se hammered

o long. "Some advice," he murmured, his voice a quiet rumble meant

d melted back into the throng, alrea

hand. "Well, damn. Do you realize what just h

ophia whispere

ound nervously. "From someth

bubbles rise and burst against the rim of the glass. The room felt louder now-voic

t: the echo of a door slamming somewhe

med to notice.

the glass we