Elara observed the intimacy between Valery and Matthew—the arm-holding, the leaning in—and for a moment, her sensors nearly picked up the quickening of her own pulse. The "Snuggle-Muffin" comment had seemed like an overplay, but Valery's physical reaction to Matthew lent an ounce of credibility to their story.
Yet Elara's suspicion still hung heavily in the air; she was not one to be swayed by simple theatrics.
"Privacy can be a rare commodity in a place like this, especially on auction day," she responded, her voice still unyielding behind the modulation of her helmet. "But I'm sure something can be arranged."
She glanced between the two of them, her concealed eyes narrowing. Were they going to accept her offer, or make a run for it? Elara's finger still hovered over the hidden trigger on her gauntlet, ready for any sudden moves.
Matthew sensed Valery's telepathic message as her hands tightened momentarily on his arm. He understood her entirely; Elara was a wild card they couldn't afford to keep in the deck.
"Excellent, we appreciate the courtesy," Matthew said, his voice rich with feigned gratitude.
"It's good to know there are still some who value customer service. Right, ~Honey-Cakes~?"
He glanced at Valery, a knowing look in his eyes as he met her gaze. Their cover story was ludicrous, but as long as it bought them time and a bit of freedom, it served its purpose. However, it was becoming abundantly clear that they'd need to shake Elara off their tail sooner rather than later.
Matthew tightened his grip on Valery's hand, hoping to subtly convey the urgency. They were walking on a razor's edge, and one false step could turn their covert mission into a firefight they didn't want.
Matthew had caught the subtleties in Elara's tone and stance, noting how her finger hovered near what he assumed was a trigger mechanism. The air was tense, thick with unspoken words and veiled intentions.
"Your offer of guidance is most kind, and we'd be honored to accept," he said, layering on the graciousness as thickly as he dared.
"A private balcony booth would give us the perfect vantage point to find something truly special. Lead the way, if you would."
He released Valery's hand momentarily, giving her a small nod to indicate that he was ready for whatever came next. Keeping a safe distance from Elara but following her lead, Matthew took this moment to assess their surroundings and potential exit points. He had no doubt they were stepping further into the lion's den, but it was a calculated risk. With any luck, the private setting would offer them an opportunity to turn the tables on their would-be watcher.
A slight shift in Elara's posture might have gone unnoticed to the untrained eye, but it was there—a fractional relaxation, as if a decision had been made.
"Very well," she responded.
"Follow me."
With that, she guided Matthew and Valery through winding corridors and up a set of stairways, finally leading them to a secluded balcony booth that overlooked the stage where the auction was to take place. She pressed her wrist to a panel next to the booth, deactivating the privacy shields momentarily to allow them entry.
"As you can see," she began, gesturing toward the opulent setting and the view it offered,
"this booth provides both privacy and a premier vantage point for discerning buyers. If you need any further assistance, I'll be just outside the booth."
She stepped aside, granting them entry. Her gauntlet still within easy reach of her defensive triggers, Elara waited to see what their next move would be. Would they settle into the booth as any genuine high-bidding customers would, or would they finally reveal their hand?
As she stepped aside to allow them entry to the booth, Elara couldn't help but notice the continued affectionate touches and loving glances between Matthew and Valery. It almost sickened her. Was it an act to maintain their cover, or were they genuinely this enamored with each other? Either way, it left a sour taste in her mouth, even if her helmet's internal systems prevented her from physically experiencing it.
"Pleasure doing business with you," she added, her voice tinged with a forced pleasantness that contradicted her inner sentiments.
"Enjoy your 'private time.'"
Stepping out of the booth, Elara activated the privacy shields once more, but not without a final, lingering glance in their direction. She had an acute sense that she was potentially letting go of something volatile, something dangerous. But for now, it was a risk she was willing to take. After all, sentimentality could often be a weakness, and if these two were foolish enough to let their guard down due to their affections, that was on them.
She turned away, her hand finally moving off her concealed trigger... For now.
Valery Noble
