Aliya’s POV

“You keep getting more beautiful as the night drags on,” Liam murmured, reaching across the table to take my hands.

I smiled, pulling them back, creating a small, awkward tension in the space between us. “You’ve said that a million times already.”

“And I’ll keep saying it,” he said, his tone vibrant with excitement, “because I still can’t believe you’re really here with me.”

I remained silent, my eyes fixed on him, measuring every second, mentally counting down when the damn drug would finally take effect. He still looked sharp—too sharp. No signs of slumping, no glassy eyes. Not yet.

“Maybe it wasn’t strong enough,” I muttered under...