As Seraphina's gaze landed on Ethan, her face lit up with a bright, unguarded smile that eased the tension in her shoulders and made her eyes shine.
For a heartbeat, the noise of the war camp seemed to fade, leaving only him in her world.
But the moment her eyes slid to the side and fell on Ophelia wrapped tightly around Ethan's arm, that smile immediately soured, freezing into a strained line.
Ophelia, who had been happily clinging to him, wore the exact same expression the instant she noticed Seraphina walking toward them.
The air between them crackled as the two girls locked eyes.
Then, perfectly in sync, they both spoke.
"What the hell are you doing here…"
Gritting her teeth, Ophelia pulled Ethan's arm even closer against her chest.
"I've been by my darling's side since the battle started," she snapped. "Not like someone who's too afraid to leave her family residence and just hides there."
Seraphina's eye twitched, all warmth vanishing from her face.
