[Zphreya]

“Beta,” Master Alaric said, his voice sharp as his eyes locked onto Alek. “How exactly is it that you’ll be helping with that?”

Alek didn’t even glance at him. His gaze stayed fixed on me as he extended his hand. “Just by asking the kid to dance.”

Alaric began to step in front of me, protective as ever, but I gently stopped him with a hand on his arm. “It’s alright,” I said softly, hoping he’d hear the reassurance in my voice.

He didn’t look convinced. His ...