Evelina's feet skidded to a halt, her breath catching in her throat as she stared at Zade. His piercing golden eyes glowed faintly in the dim corridor, showing both curiosity and a hint of something gentler—something surprisingly warm.
"Running somewhere, missy?" Zade's deep voice was calm but carried an edge of mischief.
Evelina took a deep breath, and straightened her posture. "Zade," she greeted evenly, sounding polite but detached. "Is there something you need?"
He smiled lazily and leaned against the wall, his golden eyes studying her with that same blend of amusement and something more profound. "You look… flustered," he said in a curious tone. "Is there anything I should be concerned about?"
Evelina shook her head lightly, her expression unreadable. "Just in a hurry. That's all."
Instead of moving, Zade shifted to block her path with effortless grace. "In a hurry to see Damian, no doubt," he said smoothly. "You're always in a rush when it's about him, aren't you?"
