WHISPERS OF LEGACY

Chapter 11: Secrets in the Shadows

The Kingsley Estate Hotel was a picture of luxury, nestled right on the sprawling grounds of the Kingsley family's immense property. After the Solstice Gala, a select few guests, including the five friends, were invited to stay overnight. The hotel was an opulent extension of the estate, with high ceilings, marble floors, and lavish decor that whispered of old money.

Lisa had slipped away early from the gathering, making her way to the room she shared with Gen. The night had been too much—too many faces, too many strained smiles, too many thoughts swirling in her head. She needed a moment to herself.

Meanwhile, Sam caught up with Gen just as they were heading to their rooms. "Want to go for a walk?" he asked, his voice casual, though there was something in his tone that made Gen pause.

She looked at him, a little surprised, but nodded. "Sure. I could use some air."

They wandered through the grand hallways of the Kingsley hotel, the soft lighting casting long shadows against the walls. Sam's hands were shoved deep into his pockets, and though his usual easygoing energy was there, Gen sensed a tension in him that hadn't been there before. They walked in comfortable silence, the weight of the gala still hanging in the air.

"So, you didn't really stay at the party that long," Gen finally said, breaking the quiet. She glanced at Sam, whose eyes were downcast, as if he were processing something else entirely.

"I guess big events aren't really my thing," Sam replied with a shrug, a small smile playing on his lips. "I mean, they're fine. I just... prefer to hang back."

Gen nodded, understanding the feeling more than she wanted to admit. "Yeah, it can feel like everyone's watching you, like you have to perform."

Sam shot her a sideways look, his grin widening. "You? A performer? You make everything look so easy. No one would ever guess."

Gen laughed softly. "It's all an act. Trust me."

"Maybe, but you pull it off," Sam said, and for a moment, his usual lighthearted energy flickered through, his shoulders relaxing just a bit. "You've got that effortless charm thing going. People probably don't even realize how much effort goes into it."

Gen shook her head with a smile. "Effortless charm, huh? You make it sound so glamorous."

Sam's smile widened, but it didn't last long. His eyes drifted back toward the floor as they continued walking, and the easy energy he usually carried seemed to fade again.

"You okay?" Gen asked, her voice softer now, more careful.

Sam hesitated, his hand brushing through his hair in that absentminded way he did when he didn't want to say something out loud. "Yeah. Just... got a lot on my mind."

"You want to talk about it?"

For a second, it seemed like he might open up, but then Sam shook his head, forcing a small grin. "Not tonight. I'll spare you the deep thoughts."

Gen offered him a reassuring smile. "Whenever you're ready. I'm here."

Sam nodded, appreciating the offer without needing to say anything more. They continued walking, the silence between them comfortable once again, though that small weight—the one Sam didn't want to talk about—lingered in the space between them.

━━ ✦ ✧ ✦ ━━

As they neared the hallway that led to their rooms, Gen's eyes caught a strange movement down the hall. She gently nudged Sam's arm and gestured toward the far end of the corridor.

Theo was there, standing in the shadows, talking to the mysterious man from the gala.

Sam's posture immediately stiffened, and Gen felt a prickle of unease crawl up her spine.