#Chapter 67: Unmasking

Celeste Just as I was about to delve deeper into my conversation with Matt, a subtle, pre-decided hand gesture from Fiona caught my attention. It was our discrete signal, alerting me that something was amiss. “Hey, Matt,” I said, trying to keep my voice even despite the flutter of anxiety threatening to betray my calm facade. “I have to go for a bit, but I’ll be back.” He paused his dancing and raised an eyebrow, his azure eyes searching mine with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. “Where are you going?” he asked, his breath reaching my neck from our close proximity. I hesitated for a split second, scrambling to come up with an excuse. “I… need to make a phone call. Bad reception inside the circle.” Matt looked around, clearly noting the lack of anyone else stepping away for a call. But his voice was gentle when he spoke. “Alright. Are you sure everything is okay?” I nodded, offering a reassuring smile. “Yeah, just something I need to handle. Family stuff.”