Xander's POV
Xander suppressed the impulse to let his eyes roll skyward.
"Have you been to this place before?" Ash inquired.
"Never," Xander responded with a cutting tone.
Ash made a low sound of acknowledgment, his gaze remaining locked on the distant horizon. "This reminds me of that coastline we visited as children."
"The one during the High Alpha gathering?" Xander arched one eyebrow. Ash gave a confirming nod and adjusted his position with a soft grunt of discomfort. He reclined backward, supporting himself with his hands pressed into the granular sand. A smirk crossed his features as he finally directed his attention toward Xander.
"Killian landed himself in hot water for stealing a blade from the weapons storage," Ash recalled. "All three of us were hauled into that meeting room by our collars. Killian and I just stood there and accepted whatever punishment they dished out." His smirk expanded into a full smile.
"But you decided to argue back."
