"It's the same for me. I won't endanger the people I hold close."
For a brief moment, the room fell into a deep silence, Alden and Maya both caught off guard by Astron's words. Alden's blue eyes widened slightly, not from surprise at Astron's boldness but at the sincerity of his statement.
He had dealt with many people who wielded power and influence, but few were so direct about their intentions, especially when it came to someone as important to him as his sister.
Alden recovered quickly, his sharp gaze softening into something almost thoughtful, though the half-smile from earlier returned. "I see," he said slowly, nodding as if weighing Astron's words in his mind. "Direct, aren't you?"
