It was Alicia who had barged in, her presence commanding the room despite the tension hanging thick in the air. Adrien didn't need to turn to confirm it; he knew it instinctively. Her scent, her aura—it was unmistakable.
His hand froze mid-motion, his fury abruptly restrained. Slowly, he straightened, his expression hardening into a cold mask, yet his glowing eyes betrayed the turmoil within. He remained still, his body coiled like a predator interrupted mid-hunt, his rage momentarily subdued by her unexpected intrusion.
Seizing the moment, Zephirah took Adrien's hand and boldly placed it on her waist, her smirk widening as she leaned closer. "You don't have to hide how you feel," she purred, her voice dripping with false sweetness.
Adrien's entire body stiffened at her audacity, his irritation boiling over. His nails elongated instinctively, the sharp points piercing through the fabric of her dress and pressing against her skin.
