YOUR DEMEANOUR

Chapter 32: Tempted Feelings

Zayden turned to Calliax and simply stated, "Averyn will be my companion to the ball, sir."

Averyn's heart skipped a beat as Zayden made the unexpected announcement. She glanced at Calliax, her mind racing with uncertainty about his reaction. Would he be surprised? Would he object? But she couldn't discern anything from his stoic expression. She felt a mixture of relief and apprehension as Calliax nodded in acceptance, his demeanour remaining unchanged. Averyn couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered within her, wondering what lay ahead as she accompanied Zayden to the ball.

Zayden's voice carried a tone of assurance as he made the statement, his gaze meeting Calliax's with a sense of respect for his superior. Calliax, caught off guard by the sudden announcement, raised an eyebrow in surprise, his expression momentarily betraying his thoughts. He quickly regained his composure, masking any hint of surprise or curiosity. Averyn, standing beside Zayden, glanced at Calliax, her expression unreadable as she awaited his response. The air seemed to crackle with tension for a brief moment before Calliax nodded in acknowledgement, his demeanour composed as he replied, "Very well then, cadet."

"Excellent choice, Zayden," Calliax said, his tone polite but lacking any hint of warmth. "I'm sure you and Averyn will make a splendid pair at the ball." Despite his words, there was a subtle edge to his voice, indicating that his approval might not be as genuine as it seemed.

Averyn couldn't help but notice the lack of sincerity in Calliax's voice as he responded to Zayden's announcement. There was a stiffness in his tone, a subtle reservation that didn't quite match his outward politeness. It was as if he was merely going through the motions of approval, rather than genuinely expressing it. Though she couldn't quite put her finger on it, Averyn sensed a hint of insincerity in his words, adding another layer of complexity to their already strained interaction.

"Why does it sound like he's not entirely pleased with Zayden's decision?" Averyn mused inwardly, a flicker of suspicion crossing her thoughts. "Could it be that he hasn't secured a companion for the ball himself?" The notion lingered in her mind, planting seeds of doubt about Calliax's intentions and adding another layer of intrigue to their already complex dynamic.

"Ah, well, to each their own," Zayden remarked with a shrug, sensing Calliax's reluctance to delve further into the topic. "Anyway, I'll catch you later, Zayden. I've got to sort out some things before the ball."

With a polite nod, Calliax excused himself, leaving Zayden and Averyn alone once more. As they watched him depart, Averyn couldn't shake the feeling of tension that lingered in the air, wondering what thoughts were swirling beneath the surface of Calliax's composed demeanour.

Now that they were alone, Averyn suggested that Zayden accompany her to buy groceries and prepare for the upcoming ball.

"Hey, Zayden, how about joining me for some grocery shopping?" Averyn suggested, hoping to ease the atmosphere after Calliax's departure. "And maybe we could pick out a few things for the ball while we're at it?"

Zayden smiled at the idea. "Sounds like a plan. Lead the way, Averyn."

As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the bustling streets of London, Calliax strode with purpose through the throngs of people. His steps were brisk, his posture upright, betraying none of the turmoil that churned within him.

His mind wandered, drifting back to the encounter with Averyn and Zayden. He couldn't shake the feeling of frustration that lingered from their interaction. Despite his attempts to maintain his composure, he couldn't deny the twinge of jealousy that gnawed at him when Zayden mentioned Averyn as his companion for the upcoming ball.