Rogan's gaze hardened. "She is resting upstairs."
Kaelen stepped further inside and the scent hit him immediately.
It was stronger and clearer and no longer muted by faint suppressants or distance.
It wrapped around him like warmth and lightning at once.
His pulse shifted not violently or painfully, just enough to make him feel uncomfortable and aware.
"She is fine," Rogan added, watching him closely. "You don't need to check."
"I want to," Kaelen stated with no hint of hesitation,
Rogan studied him for a long moment.
There was no curse flickering behind Kaelen's eyes, no unstable edge, just something deeper, more dangerous and possession.
"You think showing up whenever you feel like it is appropriate?" Rogan asked coldly.
Kaelen didn't rise to it. He looked around and said, "There is something different in the air here, I can smell something ancient and—"
