As Skye strolled through the moonlit garden beside Leona, her laughter light and unguarded, a sudden sharp voice cut through his ear.
"What are you doing, Skye?" Selinthra's voice crackled through the invisible earpiece nestled against his ear.
Skye subtly tensed but didn't let his expression betray him. He exhaled slowly, offering Leona a small smile before glancing away under the pretense of adjusting his collar. "I need a break, Selinthra."
"A break?" Her voice was laced with frustration. "We've spent years working toward this. And now, you're out here entertaining the oracle like some love-struck noble? You were supposed to manipulate her, not…" She paused, her tone turning dangerously low. "…fall for her."
Skye clenched his jaw. "You're overreacting."
"Am I?" Selinthra snapped. "Because from where I'm sitting, you look like you're getting too comfortable."