Xiran’s heart was far from enjoying the party. But he wanted to support Frila for the sake of his city and the people. They needed to present a bold front, they needed to show their spirits were not dampened by the attack. All he wanted to do now was get drunk and forget the worries that were clouding his mind.

The party was in full swing, people were dancing, enjoying alcohol and chatting. A renowned actress was talking to Rivan, praising the dress he had customised for her. Yet, Xiran sat quietly in a corner, sipping on his third drink and observed it all without speaking.

A beautiful girl in an icy blue halter gown drew closer to him and slid into the seat beside him. She blinked at him several times with her almond-shaped eyes and curvy lashes. He acted oblivion to her advances, paying her no heed. She slightly coughed but still got no response until her hand landed on his thigh and she whispered:

"Why so alone?"

His head whipped in her direction and the coldness of his eyes which rarely warmed up now, had her slipping her hand back. She couldn’t see his face but his body posture told her he was enraged at being touched.

"I prefer it that way and you are ruining my alone time. Leave," he hissed at her and the rigidity in his tone made her recoil in fear, hustling up she scuttled away and disappeared in the crowd.

He gulped down the remaining drink and waved to the passing waiter for another one. His empty glass was soon replaced by a brimming one.

"You alright? What did Arisha say?" Rivan asked as he approached him and slid into the seat the girl had just left.

"You know her?" Xiran asked in a bored tone.

"Yes, she is one of our rising models. Very talented. What did she want with you?" Rivan knew she must be looking for a quick shag but wanted to have some conversation with his friend, hoping he would lighten up. He hardly ever talked now.

"Don’t know, don’t care," Xiran answered and continued to sip on his drink. Rivan sighed and placed his leg on top of the other.

"How long are you going to wallow in sorrow? You are allowed to have fun and smile," Rivan finally added seeing his friend making a thin line with his lips.

"You did it for years, did I ever ask you that? And I don’t want to smile, I don’t feel like having fun either, so let me be. Period," irritation in Xiran’s tone was evident and Rivan could sense his friend slipping away into darkness. Before he could say something they were interrupted by Rumail who was accompanied by a girl today.

"Señor! Brother! Nice party," he greeted them and both men straightened up seeing him holding a girl by her waist. She had a full mask on and no part of her face could be seen except her greenish eyes and red hair.

"Indeed, are you enjoying yourself?" Rivan inquired.

"We are planning to but first we need to have a short meeting in private. Can we head to the conference room? It’s soundproof," he pointed to the girl with his eyes and both men understood that he wanted to introduce her.

"Of course! Let’s go," Xiran got up and after informing Frila, he took long strides and headed towards the conference room while others followed.

Reaching it they all entered one by one. Xiran then closed the door and locked it.

"Please! Take a seat," he softly asked the girl who held Rumail’s arm now and she quietly sat down and let go of his arm.

Men settled down in front of her and she removed her mask and the red wig she had been adorning, revealing her beautiful face and bluish-black hair to them.

"Hello! I am Amoris. Rumail’s long-term girlfriend, sorry he had to hide me from you gentlemen, it was because I asked him to," she introduced herself with a small smile.

"Hi! Nice to meet you and I am proud of him, he hid you well," Rivan returned the smile and greeting.

"Are you his informant?" Xiran on the other hand, cut to the chase. Rumail almost coughed but caught himself in time.

"I am, sorry I sent bad news," Amoris was apologetic, sensing the amount of anguish that was evident in Xiran’s eyes and body posture.

"Thank you for putting your life in danger and extracting that information. I am forever indebted to you, let me know if you ever need my help," Xiran offered his gratitude and she nodded her head at him. Amoris had met him before at a party but she was in an entirely different get-up so highly doubted that he would remember her.

"It’s my everyday work, so no issues. I am a femoris and have been trained in extracting information without getting caught. Due to the recent escalation in violence, I wanted to personally meet and extend my assistance to you in these troubled times," the confidence girl exuded was beyond words and the way she had personally come to meet them gave Xiran a flicker of hope.

"Thank you for your kindness and this explains how you were able to get the information and escaped undetected," Xiran’s voice was full of gratitude.

"Isn’t she amazing? I had been dying to make her acquaintance with you guys, I am glad she finally agreed," Rumail’s eyes flickered with the love he held for his girl and she couldn’t help but shyly smile at his words.

"She is, Aselia would have loved her..." Xiran’s voice trailed off and a hush silence fell in the room. Amoris finally broke it and softly said:

"If you ever need someone to watch over her from a distance without being detected and let you know how she is doing, I will be more than happy to help."

"Thanks, I appreciate it," Xiran answered while raking his hand in his silver hair, taking out his frustration on them.

"There is another reason I have always kept my identity a secret," she politely added.

Rivan and Xiran attentively listened.

"Amondius is my father and being who he is, he has many enemies including your family. That’s why I have always kept my identity secret from everyone. But now I wanted you people to know that you people have me on your side," the bewilderment on their faces told her they had no clue.