162

“What is it?” Ana asked, her voice tinged with irrigation. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, and walked over to her desk to get her laptop. She placed it on her working desk and sat down in the chair, her eyes briefly meeting Damon’s before she looked away to pull off her shoes.

He remained silent, and returned his gaze back to the outside.

Almost immediately, there was a knock at the door. “Come in,” Ana called, knowing it was Zara with the water. Zara entered, carrying a small tray with a glass and a bottle of cold water. She bowed respectfully at both of them before placing the tray on the desk. She then turned and began to make her way to the bathroom but Ana called her back.

“Leave the bath. I’ll call you when I need it. You can go now,” she instructed. Zara didn’t ask or insist, understanding the need for privacy. She bowed again at both of them and quietly exited the room.

The room fell into an uneasy silence as Ana poured herself a glass of water, the coolness