The Cursed echoes

Chapter two

Elijah adjusted the collar of his shirt, feeling slightly out of place as he scanned the room. The grand hall was a glittering display of wealth and influence, filled with people who exuded confidence and charm, their laughter and conversations blending into a low hum of sophistication. Fred had insisted on dragging him here, spouting off some nonsense about how it was time for him to "get back out there." Elijah wasn't sure what that even meant, but he had agreed, mostly because Fred had been relentless, and partly because he figured he owed it to himself to try something—anything—outside his usual routine.

"Come on, man, you'll have fun," Fred had said, practically yanking him out of his comfort zone. "You need to loosen up. Life's too short to spend it hiding away."

So here he was, holding a glass of champagne he didn't really want, trying to ignore the itch to leave and find somewhere quieter. The high ceilings and crystal chandeliers felt almost suffocating, a stark contrast to the simple, predictable life he'd been living since... well, since everything went to hell.

Elijah took a sip of the champagne, grimacing slightly at its dry taste. He wasn't much of a drinker these days, but it helped to have something to do with his hands. Fred had already disappeared into the crowd, chatting up some group of strangers like he always did. Elijah envied that about him—his ability to blend in anywhere, to make everyone around him feel like they were the most interesting person in the room.

In the corner, a jazz band played a mellow tune that was just loud enough to be noticeable but not intrusive. Elijah found himself drawn to the music, letting it wash over him as he moved away from the center of the room. Maybe he could just find a quiet spot to sit for a while, listen to the music, and wait out the night until Fred was ready to leave.

As he edged closer to the back of the room, something caught his eye—a flash of movement, a silhouette that seemed oddly familiar. He blinked, trying to focus in the dim light. It couldn't be... but it was. There, standing near the bar, was the woman who had slipped into his life so unexpectedly at the café. The woman whose name he still didn't know, but whose face had been etched into his memory.

She was wearing a sleek, dark dress that seemed to blend into the shadows around her, her hair cascading down her shoulders like a waterfall of midnight. For a moment, Elijah just stood there, staring, his heart picking up a pace he hadn't felt in a long time. She looked different—more polished, more in control—but it was definitely her. There was no mistaking those eyes, the ones that had met his with such intensity during their brief encounter.

Before he could think better of it, Elijah found himself moving toward her, his earlier discomfort forgotten. The crowd seemed to part for him, and he wondered if it was just his imagination, or if some invisible force was pulling him in her direction. He didn't know what he was going to say, or even why he was going over there, but the pull was undeniable.

As he approached, she turned slightly, her eyes sweeping the room before landing on him. For a second, her expression was unreadable—surprise, recognition, maybe even a hint of something else. Then, just as quickly, she masked it, her face settling into a composed, almost guarded look.

"Hey," Elijah said, his voice coming out more casual than he felt. "I didn't expect to see you here."

She raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a small, enigmatic smile. "I could say the same about you."

There was something different in her tone, something that made Elijah feel like this meeting wasn't as accidental as it seemed. But before he could delve into that thought, she spoke again, her voice smooth and measured.

"Are you here for the party, or just passing through?"

Elijah chuckled, shaking his head. "Definitely just passing through. My friend dragged me here. He thinks I need more excitement in my life."