"Altair?!"
Rosalie's voice rang out, echoing through the air as her friend's name tumbled from her lips. Her heart surged, an unexpected jolt coursing through her as his sudden appearance just behind her sent her senses reeling.
"Good afternoon, Lady Rosalie. It's been a while, hasn't it? How have you been?"
Altair wore his customary warm and welcoming smile, but today, there was a weariness lurking in his deep, pale eyes. They stood out starkly against the dark blue circles beneath them, hinting at countless restless nights that had weighed upon him.
"I am well, I suppose, nothing extraordinary. But how about you, Altair? You appear rather fatigued and unwell. Is everything all right?"
The man greeted Lady Ashter's genuine concern with another warm smile and gently shook his head. His flowing white hair caught the afternoon sunlight, giving it an ethereal glow.
