Astraea's POV
I didn't flinch. Not at the way he smirked, and not at how easily he picked me apart with those pale grey eyes like I was just another puzzle in his collection. If there was one thing I'd learned growing up under Therion's rule, it was this: never let a predator smell your emotions, be they anger or fear, especially not one as old and infamous as Veylan.
I held my ground, brushing invisible dust off my sleeves as I spoke. "Seeing how you already know who I am, even down to the little detail that I was banished for murder, I'll go ahead and assume you also know why I'm here."
Veylan tilted his head, his fingers drumming together like he was sizing me up in amusement. "You're surprisingly calm, Astraea. I expected more teeth, to be honest."
"I'm saving them for when they're needed," I replied, still keeping my voice cool.
