Hayes gently grasped my hand, bringing it to his lips for a soft, lingering kiss that sent a warm flutter racing through my heart. I could feel the warmth of his touch. I momentarily lost myself in the moment. 'Your heart is drumming so loud, I'm sure he can hear it,' Ria said. I tried to keep my emotions in check. 

I distracted myself from his intense gaze by glancing around the crowd, searching for Zylon. He was nowhere to be found, leaving a sense of unease in the pit of my stomach.

"Where's Zylon?" I asked as he led me to the bar area inside. People moved aside, either...