Florian's face paled in an instant, blood draining so fast it felt like ice pooling beneath his skin.
'Shit. That was so stupid.'
He clenched his jaw, biting down on the urge to grimace as Alexandria's head tilted—just a fraction, just enough. Her smile remained, soft and serene, but her eyes… they had shifted. Too sharp now. Too clear. A predator who had caught the scent of something off.
'Idiot. Idiot. I just wanted to end the conversation, grab Azure, and get the hell out of here. Now I've practically handed her a reason to start digging.'
Sure enough, she stepped forward.
Slow. Measured. Deliberate.
Her voice was calm. Sweet, even. The kind of gentle curiosity that always came before a blade.
"You were with Drizelous?" she repeated, tone featherlight. "Forgive me, I didn't realize you two were acquainted."
'I'm not. That's the problem.'
