Elizabeth strode through the animated streets, her academy uniform still perfectly in place. Every step she took echoed audibly, sending a wave of tension through the crowd. People instinctively moved aside, as if an unseen force compelled them to clear her path.
Even if she wasn't trying, the bloodlust rolling off her was enough to make anyone's skin crawl.
What the hell was she doing here?
"Honey, do you know her?" Layla's voice cut through my spiraling thoughts as she turned toward Elizabeth.
Shit.
There were certain people I really didn't want Layla to meet yet—Elizabeth and Alvara were at the top of that list for obvious reasons.
"N–No idea," I blurted out quickly, forcing a casual chuckle. "Some random woman. Let's just enjoy our date, okay?" I tightened my grip on Layla's arm, attempting to steer her away before things got messy.
"Hm?" Layla blinked but, to my relief, her lips curled into a sweet smile. "Okay!" She chirped, turning with me to leave.
But then—
