Iris is incredibly innocent, completely unaware, and unable to protect herself. This leaves Emerald deeply concerned.

Her mind is so full of worry for her friend that there’s hardly any room for anything else.

Alaric, noticing Emerald's distracted state, leaned in close and whispered softly in her ear, "We're all adults. What we choose to do is up to us. Besides, your friend seems quite... willing."

Emerald's mind screamed, and she quickly covered Alaric's eyes. "Don’t look."

He chuckled quietly, and Emerald watched his Adam’s apple move, oddly mesmerized by how attractive he seemed at that moment.

With a low voice, Alaric added, "How could I possibly focus on anyone...