ASTRID'S POV.

"Who was that man who just left?" His voice cut through the silence like a blade, deep and cold, sending a shiver down my spine.

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his piercing gaze as our eyes locked.

There was no mistaking the displeasure etched across his features; the sharp lines on his forehead deepened with a frown that made my heart race with unease.

His eyes narrowed as he repeated the question, his tone even more demanding, "I'm asking you ...