Page 70 of The Fractured Veil

El paused after a while, her breathing heavy, and gave me a knowing look. "You know, Thalia, whatever happens, you've got us. Don’t forget that."

I nodded with a smile, "I know, El."

She grinned, "Now, come on. Let’s see if you can actually land a hit this time."

I laughed as I readied myself for another round. Whatever was waiting for me—whether it was Mira, the brothers, or the secrets I still had to uncover—I knew I wouldn’t have to face it alone.

After class, Nox was waiting for me outside the women's locker room, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed in a casual but attentive posture. El gave me a knowing look, before giving Nox a mock-warning glare—a silent promise to burn him alive if he hurt me—then left the two of us alone.

"Are you—uh—interested in the formal?" Nox asked, his voice a little hesitant, glancing over at me as we walked. Was he.. nervous?

I raised an eyebrow, a small smile forming on my lips. "Were you eavesdropping again, Nox?" I teased, nudging him playfully with my elbow.

Nox let out a low chuckle, his lips curving into a hint of a smile. "You didn't answer."

I looked at him, there was something vulnerable in his eyes—a rare softness that made my own defenses falter. It was a glimpse behind the quiet, observant facade he usually presented. "Maybe," I admitted.

"Maybe, huh?" He took a step in front of me, stopping me in my tracks, his nearness both exhilarating and slightly intimidating. "If you are... I'd like to take you."

I was speechless. The guarded Nox was suddenly standing before me, his vulnerability laid bare, and it made my chest ache in the best way. "You'd want to take me?" I asked, still slightly disbelieving.

Nox nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "Yeah, Thalia. I would." His sincerity was undeniable, radiating from him like a warm embrace.

A smile broke across my face, genuine and unrestrained. "Then I guess Imightbe interested," I replied, my voice light and teasing.

His lips curved into a full smile this time, one that softened his entire face—transforming his features from broodingly handsome to almost boyishly charming. "Good," he said, his voice a little rough, as if the words were caught in his throat. "I'll make it worth it, but you know Zarek will want to come with us." He added the last part with a slight roll of his eyes, a hint of playful exasperation in his tone.

I raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in my eyes. "Oh, is that so? Are you sure you can handle both of us at once?" I challenged, enjoying the unexpected turn our conversation had taken.

Nox let out a low, teasing laugh, his eyes filled with amusement. "I think it's you who should be worried about handling us."

I tried to keep my face straight, but the grin slipped through. "Confident, aren’t we?"

He shot me another wide smile that made my heart stop. This was a whole new side of Nox—one I was starting to adore. The playful banter, the unguarded smiles, the intensity in his eyes—it was all so intoxicating. It was strange, how something so simple as an invitation could make me feel so light, so hopeful.

"So, what color are you wearing?" he asked, the nervousness from earlier completely gone.

"I haven’t even thought about it." The formal felt like a distant dream, yet the thought of attending it with Nox sent a pleasant thrill through me.

"Let me know," Nox said, "I’ll make sure we match. Let's not tell Zarek though." His voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

The way he said it, with such ease and sincerity, made my cheeks flush again. I nodded, biting my lip to keep the smile from spreading too wide. "Okay."

He nudged me gently with his elbow, "And if you can't decide, I could always help you pick. I'm sure we'd come up with something... memorable."

I rolled my eyes, and couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah, I’m sure your fashion sense is impeccable," I retorted.

Nox smirked, his eyes twinkling. "Hey, I know how to match, at least. Besides, anything looks good when you're the one wearing it." The playful edge to his voice was still there, but beneath it, there was something deeper, something that made my pulse race.

He winked at me as he stepped back, giving me a little space as we approached their dorm—well, apartment really. Was Nox actuallyflirtingwith me?

I could hear the low murmur of voices coming from the living room as we entered. Zarek and Damon were already there, sprawled on the plush couches, engrossed in some animated discussion. Their attention shifted to us the moment we walked in, their expressions changing subtly.

Zarek's eyes lit up, a smirk spreading across his face as he took in the sight of me and Nox together. "Well, well, look who decided to show up," he drawled, his tone teasing, a hint of knowing amusement in his voice. "Did you two get lost on the way here?"

Damon glanced at us, his gaze sharp but curious. He raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching slightly. "Or maybe they were just... preoccupied." His tone was more measured than Zarek's, but the underlying amusement was still there.

"Ha-ha. Very funny," I said, crossing my arms as I stepped further into the room. "Not all of us have the luxury of lounging around all day." I directed my comment at Damon, though my gaze flickered to Nox, who was watching me with an amused expression.

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