Nala
"Miss Annabel, do you mind if I take you on a stroll later?" Maxwell asked, his voice warm and steady, the kind that carried genuine intent.
"I used to visit Bloodhound often as a child. I know the land very well. It would be an honour to show you around the place."
His words were bold—a significant step for someone like Maxwell—and Annabel’s smile confirmed his efforts had paid off.
She agreed, her tone soft and her blush unmistakable. I couldn’t help but feel a wave of satisfaction.
Unlike what had happened with Xander and me, there was no defiance, no stubborn refusal to deal with emotions.
Maxwell was approaching this openly, and Annabel was meeting him halfway. It was refreshing—a good sign of progress.
I glanced at Raya, catching the way her smile faltered. It was subt
