CHAPTER 14:
CROSSED OUT
Seyren's POV
"Wah... It's good to be back in the mother fucking game." I exclaimed right after I arrived at the headquarters.
It was my first day back at work after being confined to a hospital room for almost a week.
The sterile walls and monotonous beeping of medical equipment had made the days drag on endlessly.
I felt a bit relieved because there were no more bandages wrapped around my head.
The tight, itchy feeling was gone, replaced by the freedom to move my head without constraint.
As I took in the familiar surroundings of the office, I heard a laugh behind me.
I turned around and saw Anthony standing not far away, with his arms crossed and a smirk on his face.
"That's the first time I've heard you curse. And you're still cute," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
I wasn't sure if he was joking or genuinely amused, but I laughed anyway, feeling a bit self-conscious.
"Sorry, it's just that it was so boring in the hospital," I said, rolling my eyes as I remembered the endless hours of staring at the ceiling. Watching Anthony approach, I felt a sense of normalcy returning.
"I know, but I guess you'll be more bored here since you don't have any cases to handle right now. I took over your work," he said as we walked side by side into the building.
His words were a mixture of reassurance and a reminder that life at the office had moved on without me.
"By the way, thanks for inviting me. It makes it easier for me to stalk Mr. Liam. It's perfect that he'll be at the party later," I said, my brow furrowing at the mention of Liam.
"He'll be there?" I repeated, and Anthony nodded. The thought of seeing Liam made my heart race with a mix of anticipation and nerves.
As we arrived at the office, it was strange that no one else was there. The usually bustling space was eerily quiet.
It was 8:55 a.m., and we were the only ones present. The absence of our colleagues was palpable.
"Where is everyone?" I asked, my voice echoing slightly in the empty room as I made my way to my desk.
"I don't know either," Detective Guerrero said with a wide smile, shrugging his shoulders. His cheerful demeanor only added to my confusion.
"Welcome back, Detective Valencia!!" I was startled as our team suddenly appeared, their faces beaming with joy.
Confetti poppers went off, filling the air with colorful bits of paper.
My eyes widened in surprise. They emerged from their hiding spots, and Detective Skyler was holding a cake, which looked like it was strawberry-flavored.
I stood up as they sang a birthday song, but the lyrics were "Welcome back."
"Welcome back to work, our hardworking detective. I admire that head of yours," one of my colleagues said, tapping my head.
I laughed and then blew out the candle.
"Wow, you really put in the effort, but thank you, this wasn't necessary," I said.
"It wasn't necessary, but you're the only detective I know who would throw herself in front of oncoming traffic just to catch a murderer. You're too much of a saint, Detective Valencia," Detective Skyler said.
I pursed my lips as they suddenly smeared icing on my face.
"You're a feature in the media now. Even the killer is being admired because he took out Red Bull," said another police officer.
"Well, I know I shouldn't say this, but it's better that Red Bull is gone; people no longer have to live in fear," Detective Skyler said, shrugging, and to my surprise, everyone agreed.
My smile widened even more because they were all in agreement.
"Let's eat this, I've been craving it," I suggested. They nodded, and someone even got paper plates ready.
I was about to take a slice, but they stopped me and said they would serve it to me. When Skyler handed me a slice, she also brought out a jar of Nutella.
My eyes lit up because they gave me all the strawberries that were on top of the cake.
"Elowen gave me this. Go easy on the chocolate, or you'll get hyper," Skyler said, and I felt like my smile was going to split my face.
"Thank you," I chirped.
I started coating my strawberry with Nutella again, taking my time to ensure every bit of the fruit was covered in the rich, creamy spread.
I made sure to lavish it with a generous amount before savoring it.
The combination of the juicy strawberry and the sweet Nutella was so delectable that I nearly swore in delight.
The taste was heavenly, and I knew for sure that I'd be hyper all day from the sugar rush, but honestly, who cared?
Strawberries with Nutella are my go-to source of energy and happiness.
It's like my own little secret weapon against the world, a simple pleasure that never fails to lift my spirits.
Once we finished eating, it was time to get to work.
Since I didn't have any outside assignments, I was tasked with packing up all the evidence.
Each victim's belongings were placed in a separate box, a solemn reminder of the lives affected by each case.
Whether it was an ongoing investigation or a solved case, I had to label everything meticulously.
This task brought back memories of my days as an intern, and despite the sadness that sometimes accompanied it, I loved this part of the job.
Sometimes, it was heartbreaking, especially when the victim was a child.
Seeing toys and other personal items as evidence was a sobering reminder of the innocence lost.
As I continued packing, I suddenly stopped when a particular photo caught my eye. I stared at it, my brow furrowing in confusion.
The photo depicted Sister Jennifer standing next to her twin. In the background, there was a familiar face.
"Ms. Mendez?" I whispered to myself, puzzled.
The woman in the photo had a large burn scar, a detail that stood out immediately.
I was bewildered because I had never seen Ms. Mendez with a burn scar on her neck.
She was always proud of her scars and never hid them, but seeing her with this burn scar in the photo was perplexing.
Driven by curiosity, I couldn't help but search for her name on social media.
I found several pictures of her on Google, all without the burn scar.
At first, I thought the photo might have been edited, but I quickly remembered it was a Polaroid, making that unlikely.
Intrigued and confused, I decided to slip the photo into my pocket before continuing with my task.
The rest of my workday was relatively easy, allowing me to finish early and giving me plenty of time to prepare for the party later.
When I got home, I went straight to the bathroom to take a refreshing shower.
The warm water helped wash away the day's stress and reinvigorate me for the evening ahead.
After the shower, I carefully chose my outfit, deciding on a white long-sleeve shirt paired with a pink vest and matching pink trousers.
I even tied a pink necktie, completing the look with my hair left down in loose waves.
"I really am both beautiful and handsome," I mused to myself, smiling as I admired my reflection in the mirror.
I opted for pink because I knew Ms. Mendez had a fondness for the color, especially baby pink.
It felt like a small tribute to her, and I hoped she'd appreciate the gesture.
As I stepped out of my room, I walked down the hallway towards our staircase.
The house was quiet, the soft hum of evening settling in.
Just as I was about to pass by Azara's room, her door suddenly swung open, and she stepped out, catching me off guard.
She was wearing a stunning baby pink halter deep v-neck bodycon dress that clung to her curves and was backless, showcasing her side cleavage.
The dress accentuated her figure, and she looked effortlessly glamorous.
I couldn't help but notice the intricate tattoo on her arm near her collarbone.
It was the number 190522, elegantly inked with hearts at both ends. The design was simple yet captivating, adding an edge to her sophisticated look.
"Stop staring, creep," she snapped, her voice sharp as she caught me looking.
Her eyes glared at me, but there was a hint of amusement in them.
She turned on her heel and started walking down the hallway, her heels clicking against the tiles.
I followed her like a loyal puppy, my footsteps almost silent in comparison.
As we approached the staircase, I quickened my pace to move ahead of her, hoping to assist her down the steps.
Her shiny silver heels were around four inches high, and I worried she might stumble.
I extended my hand towards her, offering my assistance.
"Here, let me help you," I said, trying to sound casual and not overly eager.
She glanced at my hand but didn't take it. Instead, she brushed past me with a slight huff.
"I don't need your help," she said dismissively.
I let my hand fall to my side, feeling a bit foolish but determined not to take it personally.
I understood her independent streak, and while I wanted to be of help, I didn't want to push her boundaries.
So, I stepped aside and let her lead the way down the stairs, staying close enough to catch her if she did stumble but far enough to respect her space.
Once we reached the bottom of the stairs, I walked beside her, stealing a glance every now and then.
Despite her sharp words, I couldn't help but admire her strength and confidence.
Azara was a force of nature, and I was drawn to her even more because of it.
The air was filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation for the evening ahead.
As we walked towards the front door, I could feel the tension between us easing slightly.
Even though she acted tough, I knew there was more to her than met the eye.
I opened the door for her, and she stepped out into the night.
"Thanks," she muttered, almost begrudgingly, as she walked past me.
Outside the house, I saw our plus ones for the party.
Elowen stood out in a strapless black mini dress and long gloves, looking effortlessly chic.
She was wearing a blazer that I knew belonged to Skyler because Skyler was in a suit but without the blazer.
It was a thoughtful gesture, showcasing the bond and subtle intimacy between them.
Liam and Anthony were also dressed to the nines in suits and were visibly mesmerized when we stepped out.
"I knew you'd wear something like that. Here," Elowen said, suddenly tossing me a key.
I furrowed my brows in confusion.
"What's this for?" I asked, catching the key.
"Drive my McLaren since I'm riding with my girlfriend. We'll be using that car later when we go home," she said with a wink, her playful smile making me smile back.
I saw Azara walk straight towards Liam.
When Liam said goodbye and they left, Skyler and I exchanged knowing glances.
We had planned to stalk Liam since he wasn't invited but was there as Azara's plus one.
His presence was both intriguing and suspicious.
"Okay, let's hit the road before we get late," Skyler said, her voice filled with excitement. I slid into the driver's seat of Elowen's pink McLaren 620R, feeling the luxurious leather beneath me.
Detective Guerrero got into his BMW, and Skyler into her newly bought Pagani Huayra Roadster BC, a car that exuded power and elegance.
Hitting the road, I badly wanted to speed up since that's how I usually drive.
The thrill of the speed, the rush of adrenaline-it was all so tempting.
But because I had my 'parents' following in the car-Skyler and Elowen-I held back.
They had been like unofficial parents to me ever since I was in the hospital, taking good care of me and ensuring I was always safe.
I knew they'd scold me if I drove recklessly, so I didn't.
When we arrived at the venue, I saw Ms. Mendez outside, greeting her guests as they entered.
She was a vision in her elegant attire, exuding charisma and warmth.
"Why does she call her birthday a 'death-alive anniversary'?" I asked Elowen as they got out of the car and the four of us walked in together, curiosity piqued.
"Because she almost died in an accident but the doctors revived her," Elowen replied, her tone matter-of-fact yet tinged with a hint of amusement. I couldn't help but laugh.
Oh right, Ms. Mendez had an accident and was rumored to have nearly died.
I mean, she actually did die for an entire day, but when they were about to draw her blood, a miracle happened, and she suddenly had a heartbeat.
It was a story that defied logic and reason, adding to the mystique that surrounded her.
"Camerons!!" Ms. Mendez greeted us as we entered, giving me a warm cheek kiss.
"Look at you, looking so fine in pink clothes. Matching outfits with your girlfriend, huh?" she said, making me frown.
Her comment caught me off guard, but I didn't pay much attention to it as she proceeded to shower Elowen with compliments.
As we entered the venue, it was packed with people, mostly celebrities.
The room buzzed with energy and excitement, the air filled with the hum of conversations and the clinking of glasses.
Despite the many celebrities, Elowen and especially Azara, who was now allowing photographers to take pictures of her, drew attention.
They were both striking figures, commanding the room with their presence.
The entrance to Ms. Mendez's birthday party was like a red carpet, making us feel like models.
The flashing cameras, the glamorous outfits-it was all so surreal.
I didn't get my picture taken because I'm not famous and don't want to be.
I preferred to stay out of the limelight, blending into the background.
But Elowen and Skyler were enthusiastic, even striking intimate poses that the photographers loved.
Their chemistry was undeniable, and the cameras loved them.
When we found our table, several celebrities approached us, most of them gravitating towards Elowen.
She was clearly the center of attention, her charm drawing people in effortlessly.
They surrounded her, eager to converse and bask in her presence.
It was a scene of glamour and social finesse, with laughter and animated conversations filling the air.
Not far away, I spotted Liam and Azara sitting together.
Liam's hand rested on Azara's waist, a gesture that spoke volumes about their closeness.
The way they interacted, with soft smiles and whispered words, indicated a deep connection.
It was almost as if they were in their own world, oblivious to the bustling party around them.
I shared a knowing look with Detective Guerrero.
He was diligently keeping an eye on our target. Liam could be the dangerous person we were looking for.
Our mission tonight was critical; we were here to observe and intervene if necessary, should our suspicions prove correct.
The atmosphere was charged with a mix of social elegance and underlying tension.
The party was brimming with famous personalities, each more glamorous than the last.
The glittering lights reflected off their designer outfits, creating an almost surreal ambiance.
Any one of them could potentially become a victim of the killer.
The thought lingered at the back of my mind, a constant reminder of the gravity of our task.
However, since this was a private event and only people Ms. Mendez personally knew were invited, the risk seemed lower.
Yet, in a world filled with hidden motives and masked intentions, you can never fully trust someone.
It's always better to be cautious, especially in such a glittering yet potentially perilous setting.
"Guys, gather around!" the MC suddenly shouted into the microphone, capturing everyone's attention.
The lively chatter and clinking of glasses died down as all eyes turned towards the stage, anticipation hanging in the air.
The spotlight focused on the MC, who stood with an air of excitement and authority, ready to address the crowd.
The MC announced something about the upcoming performances by the entertainers.
After that, the birthday celebrant was introduced.
We sang for her, and afterward, she was the first to perform.
She danced to "Umbrella" by Rihanna wearing only a bikini, capturing everyone's attention with her bold performance.
My attention, however, was drawn to Azara, who was engaged in multiple conversations and wasn't focusing on the performance.
Her demeanor was distant, her eyes flitting from person to person, hardly paying attention to the stage.
"The guy's looking around, folks," I heard a voice say in my ear.
I almost forgot I was wearing an earbud that we used to communicate even at a distance.
When Detective Guerrero said that, I scanned the area and saw that Liam was now separated from his girlfriend, Azara.
He was focused on the performance, which was Ms. Mendez's dance.
I didn't pay him much attention because Detective Guerrero was there to keep an eye on him.
After the performance, Ms. Mendez excused herself to change outfits.
A new dance performance started, this time by one of Ms. Mendez's friends.
As I continued to look around, I suddenly noticed that Azara was no longer in sight. I sighed because I knew what was likely to happen next.
She would be drunk again later.
---
No one's POV
As Mendez left the stage, Liam secretly followed her.
Unbeknownst to him, Seyren was following him from a distance, determined to keep an eye on his every move.
When Azara disappeared into the crowd, Seyren began to search for her.
She knew Azara well; if she wasn't drowning herself in alcohol, she was likely to be with some random guy.
The thought of her sister getting into trouble worried Seyren, spurring her to action.
As Seyren started her search, Elowen hadn't noticed that half of their group had disappeared.
Only she and Skyler were still mingling at the party, as the other four were busy with their respective tasks.
"Are you guys ready for the bomb?!" shouted the performer into the microphone, hyping up the crowd.
When the music volume increased, everyone cheered and got excited.
People started dancing and moving to the rhythm.
Elowen found herself enjoying the moment while Skyler was pleased to see her girlfriend having fun.
"Are you having fun?" Skyler asked, and Elowen nodded.
Elowen even turned around and playfully grinded her hips in front of Skyler, trying to tease her girlfriend.
Skyler laughed at Elowen's antics, feeling a surge of warmth but not willing to admit it.
The playful atmosphere between them added a lightheartedness to the intense night.
In the midst of their revelry, away from the main event, behind a thick wall, Ms. Mendez was alone in her room.
She was naked, staring at herself in the mirror while changing clothes. She smiled broadly, admiring her appearance.
"Oh, I love my face so much," she said while putting on her clothes.
Her silk dress slid down her body, covering her intimate areas.
"I love my fucking life," she whispered before there was a knock on the door.
"Coming!" she called out, walking to the door. When she opened it, she was greeted by a familiar face.
"Liam?"
---
"What's up with Liam?" Skyler asked when Anthony arrived at her side.
"He went to the bathroom, but he hasn't come out yet," Anthony said irritably, taking a swig of his wine.
"So you lost him?" Skyler said sarcastically, and Anthony nodded.
"Sorry."
"That's fine, no one is allowed to leave until the party is over," Skyler said, pointing towards something.
When Anthony looked behind him, he saw several guards at the exit, preventing people from leaving.
"Why aren't people allowed to leave?" Anthony asked.
"Because Ms. Mendez's friend has a big surprise for her later," Elowen answered, taking a sip of her wine.
She frowned as she noticed something unusual. She didn't mind the detectives stalking Liam.
After hearing about the cases Seyren and Skyler were handling, she felt sympathy for them.
"Where are Seyren and Azara?" she asked.
"Well, I asked Seyren to follow Azara so there would be someone looking out for your sister. I'm sure Seyren is watching her now." Though still somewhat confused, Elowen decided not to search for the two any further.
"Hey Elowen, what's up?" A well-built man suddenly approached Elowen, his presence commanding attention.
"Kalix! OMG, I didn't know you were here!" Elowen exclaimed, her face lighting up with genuine delight.
She enveloped Kalix in a warm hug and greeted him with a kiss on the cheek.
Skyler's expression darkened as she observed Kalix's hand resting on Elowen's waist during the embrace.
Skyler raised an eyebrow, scrutinizing their interaction with a mix of curiosity and unease.
"Guys, this is Kalix," Elowen introduced with a proud smile.
"He's a vlogger and the president of a charity organization. He's been helping those affected by the typhoon in Zambales, and he was with Seyren during those days."
"The Good Samaritan who became famous on TikTok for his selflessness, helping in Zambales to the point of exhausting his bank account?" Skyler inquired with an emotionless tone.
Kalix nodded affirmatively, his demeanor unchanged.
Skyler's gaze remained fixed on Kalix's lingering hand on Elowen's waist.
She couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy.
Determined to make her presence known, she pulled Elowen closer and placed her own hand possessively on her girlfriend's waist.
"That is so selfless of you," Skyler said coldly, her tone a stark contrast to the warmth she usually showed.
Elowen noted the unusual chill in Skyler's voice, recognizing it as a sign of her girlfriend's jealousy.
"Anything for the people. I strive to help wherever I can," Kalix responded confidently, his pride evident.
"By the way, we're having a lot of fun at that table. We're playing a game, and if you're interested, you should join us. It would be an honor if a Cameron played with us," Kalix extended the invitation with a friendly grin.
"I'll think about it. Thanks, Kalix," Elowen replied, her tone softer.
Kalix nodded and made his way back to his table, rejoining his friends.
After Kalix left, Elowen turned to Skyler, who was still visibly upset.
Elowen realized that her girlfriend was feeling jealous and decided to address it.
"Baby," she said softly, her voice gentle as she wrapped her arms around Skyler's neck, pulling her into an intimate embrace.
"Yes?" Skyler replied, her voice tense. Instead of responding verbally, Elowen leaned in and kissed her.
It was a brief but passionate peck that sparked a jolt of electricity between them, reminding them of their deep connection.
"I love you," Elowen whispered, her eyes shining with affection.
"I love you more," Skyler responded, a smile breaking through her initial frustration.
Elowen was about to deepen the kiss when her attention was suddenly drawn to a commotion across the room.
She saw Seyren carrying Azara over her shoulder like a sack of flour.
"I said let me go!!" Azara screamed, struggling against Seyren's grip.
Despite Azara's protests, Seyren remained unfazed, her determination evident as she carried her sister with a firm but controlled grip.
Seyren marched towards her friends, ignoring the stares from other partygoers.
She didn't care who saw her. Her only focus was on dealing with Azara.
"Why are you so fucking annoying?" Azara continued to yell as Seyren set her down.
"Because you keep inviting random guys into bed. Where's your boyfriend, anyway? He's so irresponsible," Seyren shot back, her irritation evident in her voice.
"How dare you talk shit about my boyfriend?"
"How dare you cheat on your own boyfriend?!"
Elowen, sensing the escalating tension, stepped in between the two, aware that Azara might lash out physically.
"What's going on?" she asked, trying to diffuse the situation before it got out of hand.
"Wala kang pakialam kung sino ang maka sex-"
"I have the right to stop you from doing something that could ruin you, Azara. Don't fucking argue with me and just behave. Stop acting like a child for once, you're in your 30's, fucking grown up!"
Seyren's shout startled everyone at the event, creating a sudden hush among the guests.
The depth of her voice took even Azara by surprise.
The shift in Seyren's demeanor was unexpected and intense.
"Ohh... She dropped the f-bomb," Anthony whispered to his fellow detective, his eyes widening in surprise.
Elowen, still in the dark about the situation, looked around confusedly.
"What's really going on?" she asked, trying to piece together the scene.
"Nevermind, don't even try to understand," Azara replied dismissively.
Her tone was sharp, reflecting her frustration as she began to walk away.
But before she could get far, Kalix abruptly stepped into her path, his confident stride making it clear he wasn't finished.
Seeing Kalix block Azara's way, Seyren quickly moved to her side, positioning herself as a protective barrier.
Elowen and Skyler followed closely behind, sensing the tension. Anthony, unsure but intrigued, decided to follow them.
"What do you want, Kalix?" Azara asked sharply, her annoyance evident.
"Let's play a game, Cameron," Kalix suggested with a grin.
His demeanor was casual, almost as if he were merely proposing a friendly challenge.
Seyren, however, was more serious about protecting Azara.
She positioned herself between Kalix and Azara, trying to shield her from whatever Kalix had planned.
"Who are you? Why are you approaching an actress?" Seyren demanded, her voice low but authoritative. Kalix's grin widened.
"I'm not talking to you, bae. So, what's it going to be, Azara? Are you in?" Kalix's eyes locked onto Azara's, his head tilting slightly as if daring her to back down.
Azara's face twisted into a scowl, but her resolve was clear.
"Fine..." she said through gritted teeth.
"Good, step aside, kid," Kalix instructed Seyren, pushing her aside with a forceful shove.
He then seized Azara's hand and guided her toward their table.
Seyren, though taken aback by Kalix's audacity, followed along with Elowen and Skyler.
Kalix's game was unconventional and clearly designed to provoke.
"Okay, since you're the last to join the game, you have to take this wine. It's either a dare or ten shots of wine for a truth. What will you choose? It's a simple game, right?" Kalix said, holding out a glass of wine with a smirk.
"Fucking dare," Azara responded with fierce determination.
Her tone was blunt, reflecting her frustration with the entire situation.
Seyren, concerned but resigned, reached out to take Azara's hand as she approached the table.
"What the hell are you doing?" Seyren asked, trying to make sense of the situation.
Azara ignored her and even pulled her hand away, indicating she was not interested in Seyren's intervention.
Kalix's dare was clear and challenging.
"Dare for Azara: get into the pool with your clothes on. It's either the dare or ten shots of devil wine. What's your choice?" he declared, his voice echoing with a mixture of excitement and malice.
Azara's response was immediate and resolute.
"I said dare," she asserted firmly, her voice unwavering.
She then kicked off her heels, her determination evident as she prepared to follow through on the dare.
As Azara walked to the edge of the pool, all eyes were on her.
Her presence commanded attention, and the crowd's gaze was fixed on her as she prepared to dive into the water.
The anticipation was palpable. She stepped into the pool, a smile spreading across her face as she reveled in the attention.
The crowd's admiration only fueled her defiance.
Elowen, watching from the side, could only facepalm at the unfolding spectacle, feeling a mix of concern and exasperation.
"Isn't Azara sensitive to the cold?" Skyler asked Elowen, her concern evident.
Elowen nodded in agreement, her worry for Azara growing.
"I've had enough of this," Seyren murmured to herself, her frustration boiling over.
Without hesitation, she removed her blazer and shoes, her resolve to support Azara clear.
"Hold this for me," Seyren said to Elowen, passing her blazer.
Elowen accepted it, her gaze following Seyren as she made her way to the pool.
Seyren's entry into the pool was met with surprise from the onlookers.
Her sudden dive into the water alongside Azara was unexpected, and the dramatic moment caught everyone's attention.
Azara's eyes widened in shock as she noticed Seyren's presence.
The sight of Seyren, her wet body glistening in the pool's light, left Azara momentarily stunned.
Seyren's commanding presence and impressive physique were impossible to ignore, drawing admiration from the crowd and photographers alike.
Seyren waded through the pool, her gaze locked on Azara.
When she finally stood in front of Azara, she towered over her.
With a voice full of authority, Seyren said, "Let's go home, Azara. Stop being a fucking brat." Before Azara could react or process the words, Seyren swept her up into her arms, carrying her effortlessly.
The dramatic gesture left the crowd in awe, and Elowen and Skyler could only watch in stunned silence.
As they exited the pool area, Azara's earlier bravado had faded, and she was left shivering in the chilly night air.
Her defiance from earlier had dissipated, replaced by a sulky resignation as she trudged alongside Seyren.
The eyes of the partygoers, who had watched the spectacle unfold, lingered on her as she passed, but Azara barely registered their stares.
Seyren moved with purpose, her demeanor unyielding as she approached Elowen.
"Please wrap this around her," she instructed, pointing the blazer to Elowen with a sense of urgency.
Elowen, though taken aback by the sudden turn of events, nodded and took the blazer.
She draped it around Azara's shoulders, her expression a mix of sympathy and concern.
Elowen's hands moved efficiently, adjusting the blazer to ensure Azara stayed warm.
Despite the spectacle that had just occurred, Elowen's composure was unshaken.
She understood the gravity of the situation and acted with a quiet determination.
Seyren's gaze was fixed on Azara, her frustration barely contained.
She had seen Azara's behavior escalate throughout the night, and this latest stunt had pushed her to her limits.
The sight of Azara now, drenched and disheveled, only fueled her irritation further.
As they exited the venue, Seyren had to exert considerable effort to convince the guards to let them pass.
The night air was cool against their damp skin, and the hustle and bustle of the party seemed to be fading behind them.
Azara, wrapped in Seyren's blazer, shuffled beside her, her earlier bravado replaced by a sullen quiet.
Seyren was about to head towards the parking lot when a piercing scream shattered the relative calm.
She stopped in her tracks, her senses on high alert. The scream had come from the direction of the entrance to the venue. Azara, still disoriented, looked around in confusion.
"What was that?" Azara asked, her voice shaky.
Seyren looked over her shoulder to see a woman running toward them from the stage.
Her clothes were disheveled, and her face was a mask of fear and exhaustion.
Her breath came in ragged gasps, and her eyes darted around as if expecting someone to chase her.
"Ms. Mendez!! Someone's killed Ms. Mendez!!!" the woman cried out, her voice breaking with panic.
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