THIRD POV
Roman wiped the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand, letting out a low breath as he stepped back from Jeffery.
“So…” Jeffery started, tilting his head slightly. “I heard that you weren’t from Blood Crescent, that you were… found at the border or something. I just thought I’d ask you directly—if you don’t mind.” His tone was careful, respectful, but the underlying curiosity was impossible to miss.
Roman straightened, running a hand through his messy hair, and let out a short, dry laugh. “So they already told you,” he said, his voice calm, almost amused. “I suppose I can’t exactly blame anyone. It does sound a little… out there.”
Jeffery’s lips pressed together in a small smile. “It was hard to believe. But I’d rather hear it from you than from stories or rumors.”
