Serena froze the moment she saw Alexander's face change. His expression gave nothing away, but something in the stillness of his eyes made her heart drop. She replayed her own words in her mind, her bold statement about his emotions, her belief that he had the capacity to feel like everyone else and she realized she might have crossed a line she wasn't supposed to cross.
"I-I apologize… if I overstepped," she said quietly.
Her voice was small, as if she were afraid that even speaking too loudly would provoke displeasure. She lowered her gaze, lips pressed together, wishing she could pull her words back.
But Alexander merely blinked once. Then he looked away.
"It's fine," he said simply.
No irritation. No anger. No warmth either. Just that cold, calm neutrality he carried so effortlessly.
His tone wasn't reassuring, but the lack of annoyance eased the knot in Serena's stomach. She breathed out, even though her chest still felt tight.
