Irina glanced at the towering vine Astron had identified as predatory, a mischievous glint sparking in her hazel eyes. "You know," she began, her tone light but laced with curiosity, "it would be fascinating to see how it reacts if someone just… gave it a little nudge."
Astron turned to her sharply, his usually calm expression now edged with caution. "Don't even think about it."
She smirked, her arms crossed as she stepped just a bit closer to the vine. "What's the worst that could happen? This place has barriers, right?"
Astron's gray eyes narrowed, his voice low and firm. "Irina."
His warning tone only fueled her amusement. "Relax, I'm kidding," she said, though her grin widened. "Mostly."
Astron's gaze remained fixed on her, and for a moment, Irina thought she saw the faintest twitch in his jaw—a rare crack in his stoic armor. It was enough to make her laugh, the sound light and teasing as she stepped back from the vine.
