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Me:

Roof. Needed some air.

Three dots appear almost immediately.

Dama:

u missed everything

it’s insane down here

Lucan keeps showing off and every time I think he’s introduced me to the most important person in the room somebody richer shows up

also there are like five girls trying to get Ciaran’s attention

My gaze drifts back toward the glowing windows below.

Welcome to Sero. I think I’d like a refund.

u okay?

I stare out across the rain-covered city for a moment before answering.

Mostly.

text me if something’s up boo x

The familiar concern behind the words makes something tighten in my chest. Always checking on me. Always making sure I’m all right. Sometimes I think people see my weak heart before they actually see me.

I will.

The conversation falls quiet after that.

For a while I just stand there beneath the archway watching the storm roll across Sero, thunder rumbling beyond the distant hills while rain blurs the city lights into streaks of silver and gold.

From up here, the city feels impossibly vast. Beyond its glow, other lights burn in the distance too, ships moving through the dark and planets hanging like scattered jewels against the night sky.

Sometimes I wish I could reach them. Just stretch up on my toes and grab hold of one, peek inside for a second and see what life looks like somewhere else.

Voices drift up from below, followed by the sound of people spilling out through the entrance beneath the terrace. I guess the party’s over.

Drawn by the noise, I drift closer to the edge and look down through the rain. Guests spill across the courtyard, laughing and talking as they make their way toward waiting vehicles.

Then my gaze catches on a line of expensive hover cars and bikes waiting near the entrance, automatically drifting toward the group of guys dressed in black leather.

My stomach clenches when I recognize Ciaran’s shiny black helmet with its reflective glass.

He’s already changed, completely dressed in black leather and sitting astride his bike with his booted feet planted firmly against the ground.

Good Light. How long have I been standing up here?

A girl in a blood-red dress and high heels sashays by and laughs at something he says. Only when I pull my hand back do I realize I've dug my nails hard enough into the stone wall for blood to trickle slowly down my palm.

Of course. Half the room was trying to get his attention all night, according to Dama.

One of the guys slaps the girl on the ass and she squeaks before sliding into his lap.

While the others get ready to leave, Ciaran pulls out his multi-slate and glances down at it.