TABOO (A DEAL WITH THE SHADOW ALPHA)
I braced for a comment about it being too much for travel.
Instead, his gaze returned to mine, and he gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. “You look good, Addison.”
It wasn’t flowery. It wasn’t even a full compliment. But the way he said it, quiet and sure, felt like a reassurance. It settled my nerves. We just stood there for a moment, locked in a silent look that made the hallway feel too small.
“Hi! I’m Jules, Addison’s friend!”
Jules’s cheerful voice broke the spell. She popped up beside me, thrusting her hand out. Axel took it, his large hand swallowing hers. “Axel,” he said simply.