Just Once

Chapter20-Zayden

The night of Marcus Lang's auction stretched ahead of us like a battlefield, every step calculated, every glance a potential threat. As I adjusted my tie in the mirror, I caught a glimpse of Sofia in her emerald gown. She looked every bit the part of a queen—poised, powerful, untouchable.

But I knew better.

"Are you ready?" I asked, my voice calm, though my pulse thrummed with anticipation.

She turned to me, her smile sharp but forced. "As ready as I'll ever be for a game of deception."

Her words lingered, a reminder of the stakes we faced tonight. This wasn't just an auction; it was a stage for power plays, alliances, and threats hidden beneath layers of civility. The Society's shadow hung heavy over us, and Lang was at the center of it all.

As we descended the grand staircase of Lang's estate, the opulence of the evening pressed down on me. The gilded decor, the glittering chandeliers, the laughter and chatter of the elite—it all felt suffocating. My focus was on the task ahead, but I couldn't ignore the tension radiating from Sofia.

"Remember, we need to stay close," I murmured, letting my hand rest lightly on the small of her back. The gesture was for appearances, but the spark of contact was undeniable. "Keep your eyes peeled for anything unusual."

She gave a slight nod, her gaze scanning the crowd. We moved together seamlessly, our steps in sync, our facade flawless.

The auction began, a parade of extravagance designed to dazzle and distract. Art pieces, rare collectibles, exclusive experiences—they were all a sideshow to the real game being played. Sofia and I played our roles perfectly, exchanging whispers and smiles that felt disturbingly genuine.

But my attention was elsewhere, scanning the room for threats, for signs of The Society's influence. It didn't take long for Sofia to notice something—or someone.

"Do you see that man over there?" she whispered, her voice low but urgent.

I followed her gaze to a tall man in a tailored suit, standing partially concealed in the shadows. He didn't fit in, his demeanor too focused, too calculating.

"I do," I said, my tone clipped. "He doesn't belong here. Keep your distance."

Before we could plan our next move, Marcus Lang appeared, his smile as polished as his reputation. "Sofia, Zayden! You two are the talk of the evening. A power couple, indeed!"

I matched his smile, my grip on Sofia's waist tightening ever so slightly. "Thank you, Marcus. We're just here to enjoy the evening."

Lang's gaze flickered to the man in the shadows before returning to us. "You know, I have something special in store for tonight. A surprise lot that could pique your interest. Perhaps a collaboration that could benefit us all?"

My instincts screamed at me to tread carefully. "What's the catch?" I asked, my tone neutral.

Lang's smile widened, but before he could elaborate, the lights dimmed. The crowd hushed as a spotlight illuminated the center of the room. A grand piano was wheeled in, and a figure sat down to play.

The melody that followed was haunting, each note resonating with an ache I couldn't place. I glanced at Sofia and saw the change in her immediately. Her posture stiffened, her eyes widening just enough to betray her composure.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" I murmured, though my focus was entirely on her.

She nodded, but her voice was tight. "We need to stay alert."

As the performance continued, I caught movement out of the corner of my eye. The man in the shadows was inching closer, his focus fixed on us. I shifted, subtly positioning myself between him and Sofia.

"Stay close," I whispered, my voice low and firm.

Then it happened.

The lights flickered, and a loud crash shattered the calm. Gasps rippled through the crowd as the piano fell silent. I caught sight of the man slipping through the chaos, heading for the back door.

"Zayden!" she exclaimed, her voice tense. "We have to follow him."

My jaw tightened, my instincts warring with the urgency in her voice. "No. We need to get out of here first. We can't risk being exposed."

But Sofia wasn't listening. She was already moving, weaving through the panicked crowd with a determination that made my heart race.

"Damn it, Sofia," I muttered, chasing after her.

She pushed through the throng of people, her focus unshakable. I stayed close, my eyes scanning for threats even as I cursed her recklessness.

We burst through the back doors into the cool night air, the shadows of the estate stretching long and dark. The man was ahead of us, his silhouette disappearing around a corner.

"Sofia, stop!" I called, grabbing her arm and pulling her to a halt.

She turned to me, her eyes blazing with defiance. "We can't let him get away!"

"And we won't," I said, my voice steady despite the chaos around us. "But we do this my way. Together."

For a moment, she hesitated, the fire in her eyes warring with something softer. Then she nodded, and we moved as one, the chase far from over.

The real game had just begun.