SECURED

LOST.

•THIRD POINT OF VIEW•

After the drink accident with
Mr.Trip-spill which ciya call the kirril , Ciya's heart was racing, but it wasn't just from the awkward moment. As she looked up at him, something in his eyes unsettled her. It wasn't anger or frustration, but a deep, strange recognition, as if he knew her-like he had known her for years. His expression had shifted so quickly from annoyance to shock, and it left Ciya feeling more confused than anything else. She quickly brushed it off, not wanting to dwell on it or show that she noticed.

Her father, David, approached her with his usual calm but professional demeanor, his voice gentle as he leaned in slightly to ask what had happened.

David asked gently "What's going on, sweetheart? You alright?"

Ciya forced a small smile, trying to appear unfazed, though the moment with trip-spill lingered in her mind.

Ciya calmly said "Yeah, I'm fine, Dad. Just... I think I need to get some air."

David studied her face for a moment, his brows knitting together in concern. He knew his daughter well enough to sense when something was off, but he didn't press her right away.

David softly said "If you're feeling uneasy, maybe we should head home. There's no need to stay if you're not comfortable."

Ciya shook her head lightly, not wanting to leave just yet. The air in the ballroom felt stifling, but she didn't want to make a scene. She just needed a moment to clear her head.

Ciya with a small, reassuring smile "No, it's okay. It's just for a moment. I'll head out to the garden, get some fresh air. I'll be fine."

David hesitated, clearly not entirely convinced but trusting her enough to let her be. He glanced around the room briefly before returning his gaze to her.

David reluctantly said "Alright. Just be careful, okay? If you need me, you know where to find me."

Ciya nodded, grateful for his understanding. She could feel his hesitation, but she appreciated that he didn't push her further. With a deep breath, she slipped out of the ballroom toward the garden, trying to shake the feeling trip-spill gaze had left on her.

As she walked toward the garden, her thoughts circled back to that moment. The way he looked at her-like he had seen a ghost, or like she was someone he hadn't expected to find here. It was unsettling. But instead of letting herself get lost in it, she focused on the cool night air waiting just outside, hoping it would clear her head.

As she walked towards the garden, she saw there was already a person sitting on the bench, she hesitate first, then approach the seat beside him.

On the other side,

Ivian stood near the edge of the ballroom, the sound of laughter and chatter growing tiresome. He wasn't one for grand gatherings like this, preferring solitude over the clinking of glasses and forced conversations. With a quiet sigh, he slipped out of the ballroom through the side doors and into the backyard of the hall, where the night air greeted him.

It was cold outside, a sharp contrast to the warmth inside, but Ivan welcomed it. The light breeze stirred the leaves in the garden, causing them to rustle gently. As he walked further into the yard, he couldn't help but feel as though the leaves were dancing-happy, almost as if something good was about to happen. He smirked slightly at the thought and made his way to a small garden table, sitting down and leaning back into the chair. He closed his eyes, letting the stillness of the night wash over him. For the first time that evening, he felt at peace.