The music pulsed, drowning out any rational thought, turning the nightclub into its own little universe where everything revolved around fleeting pleasure. Glasses clinked, laughter echoed in the alcohol-heavy air, and bodies moved together on the dance floor, lost in the rhythm.

Elias watched.

Seated at the bar, a forgotten beer bottle between his fingers, he scanned the room with the patience of a seasoned predator. Dark green eyes swept over every corner, always searching. Always evaluating.

Vulnerability. That’s what he was looking for.

A girl sobbing over a failed relationship. A man so drunk he could barely stand. People who needed a helping hand, someone who seemed trustworthy.

But tonight, it was her who caught his attention.

She wasn’t crying. She didn’t look lost. Quite the opposite—she was laughing. Throwing her head back, eyes sparkling under the colorful lights, chatting with her friends without a care in the world.

Interesting.

Elias ran a hand through his hair, as if absentmindedly, then stood up, making his way toward the group. His steps were confident, his smile inviting, rehearsed just enough to seem effortless.

She noticed him.

It was always the same—no matter the setting, no matter how crowded the place was. The moment Elias decided he wanted to be seen, he was seen.

It didn’t take long before he was beside her on the dance floor. The conversation flowed easily, as it always did. His hands found their way to her waist, pulling her closer, feeling the warmth of her body against his.

She laughed.

Elias smiled too, a soft, almost sincere smile. Just enough to make her feel comfortable, safe. Just enough to make her trust him.

But something was different tonight.

Because when she blushed, glancing away for a brief moment, Elias felt something unfamiliar settle in his chest. His mind, usually sharp, always two steps ahead, was suddenly blank.

Only she remained.

"Let me walk you home, yeah?"

It was a sincere request.