Beneath the Stagnant Sky

CHAPTER XI

A NIGHT OF BLURRED LINES

Eli groaned, pressing her palm against her forehead as reality sank in—she had actually agreed to Selene's ridiculous suggestion. Now, she stood under the shower, letting the warm water run down her skin, hoping it would somehow wash away the uncertainty swirling in her mind.

"What am I even going to wear?" she muttered to herself, running a hand through her damp hair. She wasn't exactly known for having a wardrobe filled with party outfits. Most of her clothes were casual—neutral tones, comfortable fabrics, nothing even remotely close to what she imagined people wore to a bar.

Just as she was contemplating backing out, a loud knock startled her. "Maeve! Don't even think about ditching me!" Selene's voice carried through the bathroom door. "I already have the perfect outfit for you, so hurry up!"

Eli sighed. There was no getting out of this now.

Minutes later, she stepped out of the bathroom in her robe, only to be met with a smug-looking Selene holding up a sleek black dress. "Tada! This is going to look amazing on you," Selene said, wiggling her eyebrows.

Eli's eyes widened. "No way."

Selene rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on! It's not even that revealing. It's classy, elegant, and it'll make heads turn."

With a deep breath, Eli reluctantly took the dress and slipped into it. To her surprise, the fabric hugged her in all the right places without being too tight. The off-shoulder design highlighted her collarbones, and the slit on the side gave just the right amount of edge. When she turned to the mirror, she barely recognized herself.

Selene whistled. "Damn, cousin. If I were into girls, I'd totally hit on you."

Eli groaned. "That is the worst compliment ever."

Laughing, Selene grabbed her makeup bag. "Now sit. I'm giving you a makeover."

Eli tried to protest, but it was useless. Within minutes, Selene was working her magic, enhancing Eli's features without overdoing it. When she was done, Eli looked... different. More confident. More alive.

The two of them arrived at the bar, the lively atmosphere immediately engulfing them. The bass of the music vibrated through the floor, the colorful lights flashing rhythmically. As they walked in, heads turned. Eli felt the weight of curious stares, and for a moment, she hesitated.

Selene, sensing her unease, leaned in and whispered, "Ignore them. Just have fun."

As the night progressed, Eli found herself on the dance floor, moving instinctively to the beat. At first, she felt awkward, but then something clicked. Her body responded effortlessly, her movements fluid and captivating. People started watching, some even cheering as she lost herself in the rhythm. She didn't know where it came from, but dancing felt natural—like she had been doing it her whole life without realizing it.

Selene laughed beside her. "Where the hell have you been hiding this talent?!"

Eli just grinned, feeling an unexpected rush of exhilaration. The music pulsed, and for once, she wasn't thinking about anything else. Not the café, not her responsibilities—

Not even Caelum.

At least, until she turned around.

Her breath caught in her throat. Standing at the entrance of the bar, his eyes locked onto hers, was Caelum.

The world around her seemed to blur as an unreadable expression crossed his face. For a moment, everything else faded—the music, the crowd, even the heat of the dance floor.