Zara's heart shattered at his question. No matter how many times she told herself to stay strong, she couldn't bear to see fear in his eyes.
She pulled her into her arms. "I'm not going anywhere," she whispered. "I could never leave you. Never."
Riya scoffed and rolled her eyes. She folded her arms and said, "Zara, I want to talk to you. Can we step outside for a moment?"
Zara looked at her coldly, the fire returning to her eyes. "Fine. Wait for me in the hall."
Riya turned and walked away.
When Zara glanced back at Zane, she saw him sitting silently, nervously fidgeting with his fingers. She froze. That unconscious motion struck her heart.
It was a familiar gesture—one that both she and Nora used to do whenever they were anxious. Zane had inherited that habit.
It was so familiar.
A wave of tenderness washed over her.
"Zane," she took his tiny hands into hers, "are you upset?"