The reaction was immediate.
"You-!"
Calix's expression darkened, and whatever flicker of uncertainty that had briefly softened his gaze vanished completely as irritation surged to the surface.
Beside him, Soren's jaw tightened and a low growl rumbled in his chest as his eyes narrowed dangerously at her. It was as if he could not decide whether to lash out with words or action first.
Aurora didn't flinch.
If anything, her posture straightened slightly and her presence sharpened as though their hostility only reinforced her resolve. "You attacked me first without any reason," she continued evenly, her gaze unwavering as it met theirs head-on. "Obviously, you need to apologize."
The audacity of her words stunned them.
For a moment, neither man spoke.
