Villain Ch 1716. The First
A quiet settled between them again—but this time, it wasn't uncomfortable. Just… full.
Like the air knew something had shifted. Like the walls were listening.
Kai returned with the tea—delicate porcelain cups, black with subtle silver etched around the rims. He set them down silently, then bowed again before disappearing to prep the meal.
Azura picked up her cup, letting the warmth seep into her fingers. The scent was sharp but soothing—peppermint and something floral, like crushed violet leaves.
She sipped, then glanced at Allen again.
"So…"
He looked over.
She cleared her throat. "Are you gonna pretend that kiss didn't happen?"
He blinked once. "No."
She stared at him.
"That's it?"
He gave a mild shrug, like she'd asked whether or not it was going to rain.
"I told you. It was to silence you."
Azura narrowed her eyes. "It was a kiss, not a gag order."
"You looked like you'd spill."
"I was recovering!"
