As Claudia approached, Alaric's expression hardened. The relaxed warmth he'd displayed moments ago vanished, replaced by the icy demeanor he had perfected from his past life. He stepped forward, positioning himself subtly between Claudia and Selene. His sharp gaze bore into her as though dissecting her every move.
"Damian. Selene."
"What are you doing here, Claudia?" Alaric's tone was cold, cutting straight to the point.
Claudia stopped a few feet away, her grip on the bouquet of hydrangeas tightening. She met his gaze, though her confidence faltered slightly under the weight of his stare. "I came to—"
"To what?" Alaric interrupted, his voice dripping with disdain. "To dredge up more chaos? Or to play the victim again?"
Claudia flinched as the harshness of his words hit her squarely.
