Something In The Way-SYLUS X MC X ZAYNE

Chapter 6 "A Night of Masks"

The sleek black car slid to a halt in front of the sprawling, glittering building. The lights of the elite party inside cast a warm glow through the massive windows, illuminating the fine silhouettes of guests dressed in luxurious attire. Sylus stepped out first, extending a hand to help me from the car. I ignored it, adjusting my dress and stepping out on my own, though I could feel his eyes on me, watchful and penetrating.

The air between us was thick with tension as we walked toward the entrance, our footsteps echoing against the marble walkway. We'd barely spoken since that night...it was only a few hours ago he asked me to accompany him to this party, a social gathering of the powerful and corrupt—a breeding ground for secrets and schemes. Sylus assured me this would bring us closer to discovering who had orchestrated the attack on me, though he'd offered few details.

The elite party was as opulent as I'd expected, a testament to the excess and arrogance that dominated this world. Glittering chandeliers cast a golden glow over the polished marble floors, and the guests moved like predators in fine silks and sharp suits, exchanging glances that held more than just idle curiosity. It was a display of wealth and influence—a stark contrast to the seedy undercurrents that had led us here tonight.

Sylus walked beside me, his hand hovering just behind my back, his expression unreadable. He'd insisted on bringing me along, saying I needed to see the faces behind my recent attack. We hadn't spoken much on the way here, and even now, our interactions were stilted, tinged with a tension that neither of us seemed willing to address. He was quieter than usual, his focus laser-sharp as he scanned the room, every movement deliberate, every glance calculated.

"You're acting distant, my love," he murmured, barely audible above the swell of music. His voice held a hint of amusement, though I could sense a trace of tension lurking beneath his calm façade.

"I'm here for answers, Sylus, not to play your games," I replied, avoiding his gaze. The sight of him in the tailored suit, and his crimson eyes sharp as ever, unsettled me more than I cared to admit.

He chuckled softly, leaning in closer. "I assure you, kitten, this is no game. Stay close. You may be a skilled hunter, but even the best can be surprised."

I bristled at his words, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. "I can take care of myself."

"Of course you can," he replied smoothly, his eyes never leaving mine. "But I'd rather not give anyone the chance to try something foolish."

I wasn't sure what I felt toward him at this point, a mixture of resentment and undeniable attraction twisting within me. Despite everything, I knew I was here for a reason—to uncover the truth about the attack, to confront the shadows that had been haunting me.

The crowd parted as we moved deeper into the party, Sylus's presence commanding a level of respect that bordered on fear. We made our way to a set of heavy doors at the far end of the ballroom. He pushed them open, revealing a private room adorned with dark wood paneling and a large poker table at its center. Seated around it were a handful of men, their laughter fading as they took notice of us, eyes narrowing with a mix of suspicion and arrogance.

One man, reclining at the head of the table, raised an eyebrow. "Sylus. Didn't expect to see you here. Thought you'd gone soft, playing the role of the hero these days."

Sylus chuckled, the sound low and dangerous. "Hero?" he echoed, stepping closer. "I'm just a man who values loyalty. And when that loyalty is betrayed, well..." He trailed off, letting the implication hang in the air.

The man's smile faltered, his eyes darting to the others at the table. He gestured for his men to stay put, but I could see the tension rippling through the room, the subtle movements of hands drifting toward concealed weapons.