The dark-haired girl was the first to speak, her voice soft but confident. "Ren Patinder. Finally. I've heard so much about you."
She approached with measured steps, extending her hand. "I'm Cassia Ashenway. From a high nobility family in the western region of the territory."
Her hand was soft, warm. The grip firm but not aggressive. And when she smiled, there was something in how her lips curved that seemed designed to make boys stumble over their own words.
Ren simply nodded. "A pleasure."
The blonde moved next, her steps almost floating. "Seraphina Starweaver," she introduced herself, her voice clear as crystal bells. "Also high nobility from an ancient section of the family."
When she took Ren's hand, her fingers barely grazed him, a soft contact that somehow seemed more intimate than Cassia's firm grip.
"Hello," Ren responded, feeling a small tickle in his hand but nothing more.
