Adrian still hadn’t said anything. Even with a few inches between them, I could feel the coldness inside him. It felt like the temperature had dropped a few degrees, and it had nothing to do with the December weather.

Marsela’s eyes locked with Adrian’s. So much was unspoken between them. “Adrian.” She gave a curt, acknowledging nod. “It’s been a long time.”

Adrian responded in kind. The tension building up between the two of them was making me uncomfortable.

I cleared my throat, hoping to shake the awkwardness. “What’re you doing here?”

The Costas, being one of the Royal families, had their own family mansion inside the Royal High Court. Both of Marsela’s parents and her grandmother lived here. “We’re here for Valeriya, Dimka’s cousin. It’s her first Gathering, too, but unfortunately, her parents couldn’t come, so we’ll be at Court all December.”

Marsela had moved to Russia with her soul mate once she found out that she was pregnant, and her son was born soon after. The news of their child had sent Adrian spiraling, as if he had lost his mind. He quit college and used his trust fund to travel the world. His parents had let him, thinking it was better than if he were to remain at home, sad and lonely. Instead, Kris told me he’d spent his time jumping from club to club, attending numerous parties—trying to avoid thinking about Marsela, even if that meant being drunk most of the time.

“I’m glad she has you guys to accompany her,” I replied, smiling.

Adrian grunted.

“It’s really nice to see you, Marsela. I wish we could talk more, but I’m running late for the knucklebones thing and my mom will kill me if I don’t get there soon.”

“Try to have fun, okay?” She briefly glanced at Adrian before adding, “To be reunited with your soul mate is the most wonderful experience a Hellenicus will ever have.”

I tried not to wince, knowing the last sentence must have felt like a dagger in Adrian’s heart. Who would’ve thought that two people who had been madly in love with each other could become so cold and distant? Marsela headed out through the entranceway of the Hyped and in the direction of the Royal Quarters.

“Why did you have to start a conversation with her?” Adrian’s voice broke. “You know how I feel about the bitc—” I elbowed his ribs so hard that it probably left bruises. “Ow! What the hell was that for?”

“I know she broke your heart, but refrain from calling her names. It’s pathetic to be disrespectful to an ex. At one point, she was your everything.”