01-06-2025, 07:50 PM
After Maksim and his wife departed, he lingered a few more minutes, his thoughts turning to the pair. They seemed like an affectionate, devoted couple, the kind that reminded him such bonds could still exist in a world that so often tore people apart. There was something special between them that Jensen hadn’t observed in years, perhaps ever. It was reassuring, though Jensen wouldn’t dwell on why.
He finally turned to head back the way he came, his footsteps quiet against the polished floor, when a lone figure appeared at the far end of the corridor. The man’s presence was palpable, a weight that seemed to press against the air itself, commanding the space without a word. Jensen felt an instinctive urge to step aside, as though clearing the way was not only polite but expected.
As the figure drew closer, the identity of the man became unmistakable: the Patron, powerful and untouchable, a figure of immense prestige. Jensen’s spine straightened almost automatically, though he kept his movements understated. His gaze flicked up briefly, just enough to acknowledge the man before he gave a simple nod and lowered his eyes. It wasn’t submission, but respect. He hoped the Patron would simply walk by, sparing him the weight of an interaction that felt far too ominous for a party.
He finally turned to head back the way he came, his footsteps quiet against the polished floor, when a lone figure appeared at the far end of the corridor. The man’s presence was palpable, a weight that seemed to press against the air itself, commanding the space without a word. Jensen felt an instinctive urge to step aside, as though clearing the way was not only polite but expected.
As the figure drew closer, the identity of the man became unmistakable: the Patron, powerful and untouchable, a figure of immense prestige. Jensen’s spine straightened almost automatically, though he kept his movements understated. His gaze flicked up briefly, just enough to acknowledge the man before he gave a simple nod and lowered his eyes. It wasn’t submission, but respect. He hoped the Patron would simply walk by, sparing him the weight of an interaction that felt far too ominous for a party.