"I grew them myself, so you don't have to worry! I've also eaten many of—" Clay was still trying to reassure her when Aria gently shook her head, a soft smile tugging at her lips.
"No, don't worry about it," she said with a quiet laugh. "I'm confident you're not trying to poison me."
There was a sincerity in her voice that made Clay's grin stretch wider. She moved as if to crouch beside him but stopped herself just in time, remembering how easily scents lingered—especially when she hadn't yet bathed. No matter how harmless the interaction, she couldn't afford to carry Clay's scent back to Zyren's quarters.
So, she chose instead to remain standing.
Clay didn't seem to mind. He launched straight into an animated explanation about the flowers he tended and the tree he planned to prune next. He spoke with passionate ease, pointing out fruits growing on the trees and promising to set some aside for her.
Aria smiled at the offer, her eyes lighting up with genuine appreciation.
