"She isn't?" Kael echoed, staring blankly.
Then, a scoff escaped his lips. "Yeah… of course she isn't."
He looked away, voice dropping into a self-mocking murmur,
"Just what did you expect from him, idiot…"
But before Kael could fully retreat into his thoughts, Zayden stepped forward and suddenly pulled him close. Kael gasped, his hands landing on Zayden's chest to steady himself.
"Kael," Zayden said, breath uneven, "Whatever you're thinking… there's a misunderstanding. Just listen to me."
For the first time, Kael saw something in Zayden's always cold, emotionless eyes — something raw, something that almost looked like fear. Like he was afraid of losing him.
Zayden's voice was rough, desperate.
Kael stood frozen for a moment, caught in that gaze before exhaling a long sigh. He slowly pulled back, slipping out of Zayden's grip.
"Then what?" Kael asked tiredly.
Zayden motioned toward the sofa. "Sit."
Kael didn't argue. He moved slowly and sat down, brows still drawn together in cautious confusion.
Zayden, instead of taking a seat, kneeled in front of him — something Kael never imagined he'd see from someone like Zayden.
"Elena isn't my fiancée, okay?" he said firmly, his eyes locked onto Kael's. " I never had feelings for her. Does this answer your question?"
Kael stared, lips slightly parted.
"What else do you want to know?" Zayden whispered.
But before Kael could respond, the air in the room shifted — thickened.
A wave of sweet, intoxicating scent bloomed in the air.
Cherry.
Thick. Ripe. Overwhelming.
Kael's pupils trembled. His breathing quickened.
His skin turned visibly pale, but his lips, neck, and cheeks flushed into a deep pink.
Zayden blinked in confusion as the scent intensified.
"What…?!"
Kael tried to stand, but his legs trembled and gave out. He nearly collapsed, but Zayden caught him instinctively.
"Don't—" Kael pushed at his chest, voice breathy. "Go away, Zayden… we'll talk about this later. I—I need to rest."
But even as he said those words, his hand remained clenched in Zayden's coat.
Zayden's eyes widened as he finally registered something off — something that didn't make sense.
"Kael…" he whispered, voice low with confusion. "This pheromone—"
He leaned closer without thinking, drawn by the scent.
"Is this… is this yours?"
Kael didn't respond. His breathing grew heavier.
Zayden's expression twisted in disbelief. "But… how? Aren't you a beta?"
The air was now thick with tension, the cherry pheromones practically choking the space between them.
Kael clutched at his chest, face flushed and eyes glazed.