But then Riley walked in again.
“Hi, boys. Enjoying the dust bath?”
Nora stiffened. “Oh. Hi, Riley.”
Riley grinned. “Nora, you’re looking cute today. Very librarian chic. Love the skirt.”
“T-thank you,” Nora said, flustered.
Riley pointed her thumb at Trigger. “Why’s he pale?”
Saint answered dryly, “Because you just walked in.”
Riley lit up. “Fair.”
Nora grabbed her folder. “I’m going to go before I get caught in your orbit.”
Riley winked. “Smart. Trigger’s already circling.”
“HEY,” Trigger protested.
But Nora was already retreating down the stairs.
I followed a few steps, leaning on the rail. “Nora.”
She paused halfway down. Looked up.
Her eyes were softer today. A little braver. A little bolder.
“Yeah?” she asked.
“Thanks,” I said quietly. “For the maps. For the help. For…everything.”
She swallowed. “You’re welcome.”
“And Nora?” I added.
She backed up one step. “Hmm?”
“I wasn’t supervising you. Not intentionally.”
A slow smile touched her lips. “I know.”
I stared.
She stared back.
And for one long, treacherous second, the hallway crackled with something that felt like summer lightning.
Then she nodded and disappeared down the stairs, soft footfalls fading away.
Trigger exhaled loudly behind me. “Oh, he is DOWN BAD.”
Havoc grunted. “Pathetic.”
Saint smiled into his coffee. “Knew it.”
I ignored all of them.
