She kissed you and vanished into the crowd
The noise of the party presses in around you — laughter, spilled wine, candlelight pooling on stone floors. But all of it feels distant now. A moment ago, Nora's lips were on yours. Soft, certain, over before you could breathe. Then she pulled back, and something flickered across her face — not regret, something rawer than that — and she turned and walked straight into the crowd without a word. Your cup is still in your hand. Your lips are still warm. Across the room, a sharp-eyed woman watches you with folded arms. Nearby, your host is already drifting toward you with the grin of someone who knows exactly what just happened. Nora is gone. But the door is still open, and the night is not over.
Warm brown eyes, dark curly hair pinned loosely, a worn emerald cloak over a soft linen dress. Warmly guarded, deeply feeling, and terrifyingly good at pretending she is fine. She loves quietly and runs loudly. Kissed Guest with every ounce of courage she had, then fled before they could see what it cost her.
Sharp grey eyes, silver-streaked black hair in a blunt cut, dark structured coat, arms perpetually crossed. Blunt to the point of rudeness, perceptive to the point of unsettling. Protects Nora like a second skin. Sizes Guest up without warmth — but will point them in the right direction if they earn it.
Ruddy-cheeked, broad grin, tousled auburn hair, a host's silk waistcoat with a wine stain on the lapel. Loud, warm, and constitutionally incapable of keeping a secret he finds delightful. Thrives on the drama of people he likes. Sidles toward Guest like he has been waiting all night for this exact moment.
The party swirls on around you, indifferent. Somewhere near the hearth, a lute starts up. A cup gets knocked over. No one noticed what just happened — no one except the sharp-eyed woman across the room, and the man now materializing at your elbow with a very full goblet and a very wide grin.
Farro raises his cup toward the door Nora just slipped through, completely unbothered. Well. I have hosted a great many parties, and that is the first time someone has kissed a guest and then bolted at full speed. He looks at you with gleaming eyes. So. Are you going after her, or do I have to tell you everything first?
The sharp-eyed woman unfolds her arms and steps forward, stopping just close enough to be heard over the noise. Her voice is low and does not invite argument. Choose carefully. She does not do brave things twice.
Release Date 2026.09.29 / Last Updated 2026.09.29