Dameon didn't bother to press Nyxtriel further. His attention had already shifted—focused squarely on the man waiting ahead of them: Veyne, Commander of the Veryndor Army.
He gave a respectful nod. "Thanks for waiting. Let's begin."
Veyne smiled as he stepped forward. "You've really grown... taller. And that hair of yours—when did it turn white?"
"It just changed during training," Dameon replied casually.
"I see." Veyne nodded, then turned his eyes toward Nyxtriel. "And who might this be?"
"Oh, right," Dameon said. "This is Nyxtriel. She's my companion."
He glanced at her. "Nyxtriel, this is Veyne—the commander of Veryndor's army."
Nyxtriel gave a slight bow. "Pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise, my lady," Veyne replied with a warm smile.
Nyxtriel smiled back, but her expression stayed guarded. The kind of smile that stopped at the lips—not the eyes.
