_Author’s POV_
Calden’s eyes scanned the scene, briefly acknowledging the man beside Zarelle with an icy glance before fixing his gaze on her.
“What made you come here?” he demanded, his voice tinged with an undercurrent of unresolved emotions.
Zarelle resisted the urge to roll her eyes at Calden, a small act of mercy she allowed herself. “Why? Do I have to report to you every time I travel?” she retorted, keeping her tone firm but controlled.
Calden’s response was measured. “No need, I just wanted to ask. Curiosity got the best of me.”
“You flew all the way here just to ask that?”
Jasper Rolando, astute enough to sense the tension between them, discreetly coughed twice. “Miss Feymere, is this a friend of yours?”
Zarelle’s denial came swiftly. “No, he’s not.”
Jasp
