_Author’s POV_
Zarelle’s instinct was to avoid his gaze, but Calden, with his long strides, closed the distance between them with the confidence of an Alpha.
Breaking the awkward silence, he greeted Haruki Kimura before focusing his attention on Zarelle.
Haruki Kimura, aware of the complicated history between them, excused herself, not wanting to intrude. She chuckled and said, “Well, I won’t keep you two. I’ll go mingle.”
Zarelle shot her teacher a mildly accusatory look. Haruki knew very well the tension between Calden and herself, yet she deliberately left them alone.
Suppressing her frustration, she tried to make a quick exit. But Calden had other plans. He reached out and firmly grasped Zarelle’s wrist, preventing her escape.
“Zarelle, I came here specifically for
