Another POV 1

Zainah's POV.

My stomach churned—not from hunger, but from the gnawing unease that had settled in since we walked into this restaurant. Lord Burrhen's presence loomed across the table, his broad frame and sharp eyes making me feel like a cornered rat.

Sett was eating, calm as ever, slicing into the camel meat like we weren't sitting across from a man who could crush us with a flick of his wrist.

How could he be so relaxed? 

My chest tightened as I stole glances at him—his pale skin, his steady hands, that faint smirk tugging at his lips.

He was playing a part, I knew it, but I couldn't tell what it was. All I knew was that Zarah and I were caught in it, whether we liked it or not.

Not that I could leave Sett behind so easily at this point.

"So, my friend," Burrhen said, his tone casual, "I still do not know your full names."

I looked towards Sett.