NOAH
The elevator ride down was silent. I stood close to Cassian... closer than professional decorum usually allowed.
I could feel the heat radiating from his body, a solid, grounding presence in the moving metal box.
Two security guards stood in front of us, their backs like stone walls. I noticed the way Cassian subtly shifted his weight, positioning himself so that he was a physical barrier between me and the elevator doors. He was shielding me, even here, in a five-star hotel.
When the doors opened into the lobby, the atmosphere shifted. The lighting was dim, designed for ambiance, but it felt oppressive.
I kept my head down, ignoring the bows and the polite "Good evening, Mr. Wolfe" from the staff. I didn't want their politeness. I just wanted the sky.
