My mysterious fiance

Previously

…He paused at the doorway, turning back to me. "Elara," he said, his voice low and serious. "Trust your instincts. They’re sharper than you think." And then he was gone, leaving behind the faint scent of wildflowers and a profound sense of unease, tinged with a nascent hope. I looked at the secure messaging app on my phone, a tangible symbol of the dangerous path I was now embarking on. The gala was in two nights. I knew, with a chilling certainty, that it would be a turning point. And I knew, with even greater certainty, that I would need Liam’s help.