Astria's eyes met mine from behind Kaiden's broad shoulder. For a brief moment, her carefully constructed mask slipped, revealing a simmering resentment and a cold, quiet hostility far more dangerous than an open threat. It lingered for a single heartbeat before vanishing beneath a polite smile. If I had blinked, I would have missed it entirely.
Nero, however, didn't.
[Oh, she definitely still hates you, Host. The system detects a distinct lack of friendly affection there.]
'Thank you for the insightful observation, Nero. I had barely noticed.'
[You are entirely welcome. I exist only to state the painfully obvious when your life is in mortal peril.]
