Aria’s POVShe poured the tea into a delicate porcelain cup, the liquid curling with steam. “Chamomile,” she added lightly, as if that explained everything.I didn’t move.Darren watched me, waiting for me to drink it. “She made it herself,” he said softly. “You should drink it.”There it was again, the warmth that didn’t reach his eyes. The careful manipulation wrapped in tenderness.I forced a small, a hesitant smile. “Thank you,” I murmured, taking the cup, though my hand trembled slightly.The scent was wrong. Sweet, yes, but beneath it was something sharp. I lifted it halfway to my lips, letting my breath ghost over the surface. “It smells strong,” I said, lowering the cup just slightly.Elara tilted her head. “Oh?” she said sweetly. “It’s just tea, darling. Maybe your senses are sharper than mine.”Darren’s gaze flicked between us, sharp, assessing. “Drink it, Aria,” he said quietly, as if ordering me to drink it. For a heartbeat, I thought about doing it, just to keep th
Last Updated : 2025-11-19 Read more