By the time the next night fell over Ashford Tower, the relationship between Seraphina Vale and Lucien Ashford had grown beyond what either of them would have openly said.
The moment didn't seem very dramatic. There were no announcements or signs that made it clear that something had changed. But in the controlled setting of the strategy room, the change had taken hold in a way that affected every move, every choice, and every moment of silence between them.
The awareness of being watched had not gone down. It had come together.
Adrian's listening, watching, and interpreting made them more accurate, and communication went beyond words. Before, it was hard to explain. Now, it was easy to understand by looking, timing, and making small changes.
Seraphina arrived first.
