Shadows and Sunlight

Vivienne’s POV

By the time I stepped out of the private box, Valentin was already gone.

I paused in the corridor, half-expecting and half-hoping he might be somewhere nearby. Maybe leaning against a pillar with that impossible posture of his, arms crossed, brooding in silence, waiting for me to step outside.

I waited another second, eyes scanning casually, for any sign of him.

Boris caught the mo