Cassian’s POV

The city outside his apartment stretched endlessly, but to Cassian, it felt small—tight—like the walls of the room closing in on him.

Elara hadn't replied.

No polite goodnight message.

No curious text about his schedule.

Nothing.

For days.

He scrolled back to their last conversation—her short reply after their awkward meeting—and let the screen go black with a sigh.

Maybe showing up without warning was stupid.

Maybe his mother’s uninvited visit crushed what little trust Elara was starting to build.

Damn it, Mother… you always ruin things.

He ran a hand down his face. Should he call her again? Ask if they could meet properly, clear the air?

But would that make him look desperate?

...No. She needs space.

His phone buzzed.

A message—unknown number.

Frowning, Cassian opened it.

> “Careful who you trust with secrets. She’s not safe anymore.”

His chest tightened.

Who the hell…?

His gaze sharpened, thumb hovering over the number. No ID. No trace.

How did anyone else even know about her? The agency didn't know. The fans didn't know. No leaks. No mistakes… unless…

His mind flashed to Selena.

The sudden way she’d been watching him. The overheard conversation. The tension in the halls of the agency.

Was it her? Or was this something worse?

He tossed the phone onto the couch, pacing.

If Elara was dragged into this circus before she was ready…

His jaw clenched.

I won’t let them hurt her. No matter what.

---

Selena’s POV

Selena stood by the wide window of her private suite, the city lights shimmering below like jewels in the dark. Her phone rang.

“Report,” she said coolly, not bothering with pleasantries.

> “Found her. Elara Voss,” the investigator said. “Student at Everhart University, part-time analyst at a private firm on Eastside. Seems quiet. Ordinary. But she’s been seeing Cassian outside his public schedule.”

Selena smiled slowly.

> “Photos?”

“Sending them now. And an address. You’ll have the full file within the hour.”

Selena glanced at her tablet as the files arrived—images of Elara walking home, sitting at a small café with study books, even the discreet shot of Cassian leaving her building days ago.

So this was the girl.

Plain. Dull. How disappointing.

But the spark in Cassian’s eyes lately… the shift in his behavior... It was because of her.

That couldn’t be allowed.

Her eyes narrowed.

Let’s shake things a little, shall we?

Opening her burner app, she carefully typed:

> “Careful who you trust with secrets. She’s not safe anymore.”

She pressed Send, lips curling into a knowing smirk.

Let’s see how rattled you get, Cassian. And how fast you come running to protect your little treasure...

This was only the beginning.

[Author's Note] Hey lovely readers! 💛 Just a quick heads-up — today’s double update is delayed. Life caught up with me a bit, and I didn’t want to rush the story.

I’ll post the next chapters tomorrow in the early hours, so stay tuned!

Thanks for understanding and for being part of this journey. ✨

—Talia