"You can drop me off here," Damon said in a calm tone, his gaze drifting lazily toward the passing streets beyond the carriage window.
Abellona did not answer.
Instead, without so much as glancing at him, she lifted one elegant hand and pressed the small enchanted button fixed beside her seat.
A sharp metallic click echoed softly.
The carriage doors locked completely.
Damon slowly turned his head toward her, one brow rising almost imperceptibly.
"Hm." He leaned back deeper into his seat, folding his arms behind his head in deliberate relaxation. "You do realize I can't be your kept boy toy."
She didn't react to the joke.
If anything, her expression only grew more serious.
Her crimson eyes remained fixed ahead, calm and unreadable, carrying that familiar imperial composure she wore so naturally.
"Are you aware…" she began quietly.
"Aware of what?" Damon asked, voice languid, almost bored.
Internally, however, he was already running through possibilities.
