Soren POV

I see Ayla leaving the meeting room and sigh. It was hard to remain neutral, not to let my feelings show.

"Are you going to leave her alone?" Victor asked me as if I was out of my mind.

"She needs some time alone," I said tiredly, closed my eyes and brought my left hand up to my face, squeezing my eyes with my thumb and forefinger. "Ishtar is watching her from afar."

I heard my friend sit down.

"Ayla didn't close herself." I said and opened my eyes. Victor held my other hand. "She's conflicted... I don't want to let my feelings get in the way." My...