I had never laid eyes on this woman before, but her affable demeanor put me at ease. There was an air of familiarity about her interactions with Caleb, suggesting a longstanding connection. Despite her intimidating appearance with an abundance of tattoos and scars, she exuded an unexpected warmth. There was a certain strength in her well-defined physique that hinted at a warrior, yet she carried herself with a grace that belied such assumptions. And her scent was far too pleasant for a seasoned fighter.
She was unreserved, quick to share a joke or a quip, and I watched as she playfully bantered with Caleb, earning an amused smile and a roll of his eyes in response. Their camaraderie was evident, leaving me with a pang of envy. It was disheartening to realize that the man I had considered
