***********
Scarlette gave no response.
Her silence, more than any sharp retort ever could, peeled away Asterion's composure layer by layer. His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly as he drew in a measured breath, steadying himself before his irritation slipped through.
Damn it, he thought. Why does she always shoulder everything alone? Doesn't she understand how worrying this is?
He exhaled slowly, forcing the frustration back down before it could become reckless. Asterion knew better than anyone that Scarlette Overland was more than capable of defending herself. He had seen her in battle, witnessed firsthand what happened when others misjudged her strength—or her resolve.
And yet—
The urge to protect her lingered stubbornly in his chest.
Not born of arrogance.
Not of control.
But concern.
