Evander smiled faintly, unbothered by Elowen's indifference, and followed after her.

Just as he was about to turn away, something seemed to catch his attention. His head shifted ever so slightly toward where Dustin stood.

Dustin's heart stirred, but his expression remained unchanged. He kept the same calm demeanor, his gaze sweeping casually over the chaotic scene before resting on the lake's shimmering surface. It was as if he were just another bystander drawn by the commotion.

Evander's gaze lingered on him for less than half a second. He saw an ordinary-looking young man in plain clothes with an unremarkable presence, standing by the lake watching the scene unfold. To him, Dustin just looked like other curious onlookers nearby.

The corner of Evander's mouth curled upward almost imperceptibly, forming an ambiguous smile. In that expression lay indifference, superiority, and perhaps a trace of contempt for ordinary people. It was something even he might not have been aware of.

Wi