*Briella*

I felt Kryzen tense beside me. His eyes were fixed on something—or rather someone—across the room.

"Is everything alright, Kryzen?" I asked, glancing up at him.

His gray eyes didn't waver from their intense scrutiny. For a moment, he was silent, his jaw clenching ever so slightly. Then with a shallow nod, he muttered, "Yes, all is well."

But I knew him better than that. I could sense the thunderous storm brewing beneath his calm exterior. ...