As the evening continued, more people arrived.
Notably Angel Dayes, someone I couldn't care less if they mysteriously disappeared, Chatt Auclair, the french guy I met inthe courtyard a while ago. Lauren also came, from NOBLE and so did Cassiel. I also noticed Eugenia who was present
"Kira Orlova, my father is quite influential." the stranger finished,
I didnβt answer immediately.
Kiraβs voice still lingered in the air. My gaze rested on her for a bit, not very obvious.
I let the silence stretch just enough to make it intentional before I spoke.
βHow reassuringβ I said sarcastically βInfluence tends to introduce itself, doesnβt it?β
A faint smile followed not warm, not cold, just there.
My attention shifted briefly past her, toward the movement in the room. That boy again the one with the rigid posture and the suffocating presence of his grandparents. Iβd seen his type before. Forced into places like this, it was so performative.
He looked like heβd rather be anywhere else.
I turned slightly, just enough for my voice to carry without raising it, βIf youβre going to keep standing there looking like a decorative statueβ I said, glancing at him now, βyou might as well join a conversation.β
A small pause.
βIt makes the evening go faster.β I said quieter.
Then, as if that had required no effort at all, I shifted my attention back to Kira, as composed as before,
"Are you alright?" she asked towards me and Angel
"I'm entertained" I said as a reply taking a drink from a platter Clover was serving around.
My gaze flicked briefly toward the room: the circling adults, the forced laughter, the quiet judgments being passed behind polite smiles, βFor now.β It would've been a better evening if some friends of Hogwarts joined in instead of random classmates
Then back to her, sharper this time, just slightly.
βAnd you?β
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