Chapter 82 The Night She Vanished

• MATEO
• The gala was supposed to be just another night in our world. I stood in the grand ballroom with Elara beside me, her hand resting lightly on my arm. The room was filled with powerful people from the underworld. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling and soft music played while waiters moved quietly with trays of expensive drinks. For once the evening felt peaceful. No obvious threats. No sharp words hidden behind fake smiles. Elara looked beautiful in her dark red dress and she seemed more comfortable standing beside me at these events now. Many guests noticed the change in her. They whispered to each other when they thought we could not hear.
• “She looks different,” one man said quietly to his wife. “More settled. More like she belongs here.”