Ashriel’s POV
I didn’t say a word as I walked beside Liana. The night air felt cooler now, pressing against my skin like water after heat. I could still feel the ghost of Aurelia’s fingers wrapped in mine. The softness of her voice. The sly curve of her lips when she smiled at Liana.
That woman was something else.
I clenched my jaw, trying to clear my head, but Liana’s presence didn’t make that any easier. Her perfume was too strong, her steps too fast as if she was trying to stay exactly in step with me — to match me. But she never could.
She glanced at me sideways. “What were you and Aurelia talking about back there?”
I kept my eyes forward and didn’t reply.
Liana slowed just enough to be slightly behind me now, her voice trailing after me. “It seems like the two of you are becomin
