"Miss," Philip Hardy said, voice laced with careful persuasion, "you seem to know far too much about Azurverda to remain uninvolved. Why not put that knowledge to use… and work for us?"
Lara opened her mouth but she paused when she felt every pair of eyes turn toward her.
Before she could respond—
"No."
The word landed like a blade.
Ares didn't even look at Philip when he spoke. His attention remained fixed ahead, posture relaxed—but the quiet authority in him left no room for debate.
"She is my daughter's governess."
Something in Lara's chest tightened— annoyance.
Lara exhaled quietly.
She didn't like the feeling lingering deep inside her.
Why did that sound less like an offer… and more like a claim? And you didn't even ask me.
Philip let out a short breath, then tried again, softer this time. "Ares… this isn't just about you. This is about the greater good. Someone like her—someone who understands Azurverda at this level—she's rare."
