Aiden’s gaze remained steady as he looked at her, never breaking eye contact.

“What are you?”

Alina blinked, surprised by the question. She glanced between him and the older woman, who was staring intently at their joined hands.

“I... I don’t understand,” she replied, her voice uncertain.

The older woman stepped closer, her expression softening just a little. “What’s your name?” she asked gently.

Alina straightened her back. “Alina Carpenter,” she said with ...