Alexander waited.
"I want to speak with the one who wronged me." Her eyes turned toward the door. "I want to hear everything from her own mouth."
A short pause.
"And I'd like you to stay as a witness."
Alexander nodded without hesitation.
"That's perfectly fine."
They both rose. The chairs scraped softly against the floor. Kiara led the way upstairs, their footsteps steady in the quiet building.
In the living area, Scarlett Leon, Xander Cross, and Queen Consort Callista sat on the long couch, each holding a glass of chilled mango juice Celeste had prepared. Celeste herself stood nearby, hands folded, waiting.
The moment footsteps sounded in the hallway, Callista—who had been watching the entrance ever since she came upstairs—rose at once.
Her eyes met Kiara's.
Affection. Regret. Longing.
All three showed so openly that Scarlett quietly set her glass down.
Kiara's face stayed unreadable. She looked at Scarlett first.
