Page 70 of Veil of Secrets

Low.

Precise.

Straight into the guy’s gut.

The man gasps. Gurgles. Tries to speak.

Fails.

Nico shoves him back. The body hits the floor with a wet smack, limbs jerking once before going still.

Panic spreads through the room like gasoline on flame.

Screams tear through the haze. Drinks hit the floor. Tables overturn. Chairs slam into bodies trying to get out.

Chaos, in full bloom.

But I stay where I am.

Barefoot now—my shoes slipped off during the dance. I can feel the stage trembling beneath me as feet stampede toward exits, but I don’t move.

My chest rises fast.

But not from fear.

I’m just…aware.

Everything is sharper. The blood on my thigh is already drying. The chain around my neck is hot from the stage lights. The sweat on my lower back itches.

But none of that moves me.

Only one thing does.

Nico.

He stands over the body, breathing hard but steady. His shirt’s stained. His blade drips.

But his eyes?

They find mine in a second.

And that’s all I need.

I step forward.

Step down from the platform.

People shove past me, trying to flee.

I don’t flinch.

I walk.

Slow and sure.

The lights are still strobing. The room is full of noise—but none of it matters.

When I reach him, I meet his eyes again.

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