A couple of tables away, Cinder leaned back in her chair, stirring her chocolate ice cream slowly as she watched Alister. The soft hum of conversation filled the upscale restaurant, yet her gaze was fixed on him with a curious, almost challenging look.
"So, Ali dear," she called him, her tone teasing yet edged with a touch of jealousy, "what do you think about Anya?"
Alister raised an eyebrow at the question, tilting his head slightly. "What do I think?" He leaned back in his seat, arms crossing over his chest. "Well… she's strong, determined, and relentless. A bit wild, but sensible at times. The kind of person who doesn't back down from what she wants."
"And what if what she wants… is you?" Cinder replied, her tone softening. Her fingers tapped lightly on the rim of her ice cream cup, and she bit her lower lip, watching him intently.
