"Professor... who really are you?"
The words hung in the air.
Jax blinked.
"What does that mean?"
Astrid took a breath. Her eyes locked onto his.
"I mean... which one is really you?"
She leaned forward slightly.
"The one who always insults people? Scares them? The arrogant bastard who's involved in every mess—fighting prince, arguing with professors, making enemies wherever he goes?"
She paused.
"Or..."
Her voice softened.
"The one who cares."
Jax raised an eyebrow.
"The one who's there when I need someone. The one who shows up at the worst moments and somehow makes everything okay."
She met his gaze directly.
"Don't lie to me. I've seen the other side myself."
Her fingers fidgeted in her lap.
"I've seen you giving money to that cat lady at the food stall back at the academy. When you thought no one was watching. I saw the genuine smile on your face not the mocking one you always wear."
She continued.
