"Let me escort you outside for some air," Astron said quietly, his voice steady but laced with the protective tone that suited his role, but at the same time, it also felt genuine to Maya.
He gently guided Maya toward the exit; his arm still wrapped protectively around her waist. Their departure was graceful, calm, and without any hint of the underlying tension that had nearly overtaken the situation moments ago.
To anyone watching, it appeared as if Maya, overcome by the intensity of the evening, needed fresh air, and her ever-dutiful escort was simply helping her along.
Zharokath's gaze followed them for a brief moment longer, his smirk still in place, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. He believed the situation was under control, that Maya was slowly falling into his grasp. The demon was completely oblivious to the fact that, in the blink of an eye, something had been done to him—something subtle, something he wouldn't notice.
