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T he unexpected humor in his response startled a genuine laugh from her. She glanced between them, fascinated by this glimpse into their dynamic. Noven clearly felt comfortable teasing the imposing dragon elder—a courage that bordered on foolhardiness, in her estimation.

“I’d prefer you save the vaporization for after the grand opening,” she responded. “Though I suppose ‘remodeled by dragonfire’ would make an interesting marketing angle.”

When his luscious lips curved into a genuine smile, her heart nearly came out of her chest.

“An unconventional approach to renovation,” he said.

“I’ve never been particularly conventional,” she admitted, trying to calm down. “I should get some towels to clean up.”

“Allow me.” Noven was already heading for the door. “Consider it part of our thoroughness in examining all aspects of spa functionality—including emergency response.”

As he disappeared down the hall, an awkward silence descended. Zina became acutely aware of her bedraggled appearance. Water had soaked through her black slacks from the knees down, and tendrils of hair stuck damply to her neck. So much for making a professional impression.

Yet when she met Xai’s gaze, she didn’t find the judgment she expected. Instead, his golden-brown eyes seemed to linger on the curve of her cheek, the line of her throat.

“This space has significant potential,” Xai said, breaking the silence. “Your mother’s vision was ambitious.”

“But achievable,” Zina responded, barely keeping her cool.

He couldn’t help but grin at her defensiveness. “I didn’t suggest otherwise.”

He moved toward the door, then paused. “The council will expect a full report. Including how new businesses handle... unexpected challenges.”

Before she could determine if that was a threat or encouragement, his attention shifted to something beyond the steam room’s entrance. His expression hardened immediately, all traces of warmth vanishing.

Zina followed his gaze through the spa’s front windows where a sleek black car had pulled up outside. Though the windows were tinted, she caught a glimpse of the driver—a lion shifter with a predatory smile that sent a chill down her spine.

Severin Madrigal.

The name alone caused ripples of unease throughout Enchanted Falls. As head of the wealthy Madrigal lion pride, Severin had built a real estate empire through aggressive expansion and ruthless business tactics. His family controlled significant portions of commercial property in town, and rumors circulated about his particular interest in acquiring land near magical hotspots. Handsome in a cold, calculated way, he used his charm and financial power to manipulate those around him. Even other lion shifters kept their distance, uncomfortable with his willingness to break traditional pride allegiances for personal gain.

What was he doing outside her spa?

As if sensing her scrutiny, Severin turned his head. Their eyes locked through the glass, and his smile widened, revealing too-sharp canines. He raised a hand in a mockery of a friendly wave before the tinted window slid upward, concealing him from view.

The knot in Zina’s stomach tightened. Her lioness bristled with instinctive distrust, hackles raised against a potential threat.

Beside her, Xai had gone utterly still—the predatory stillness of a dragon assessing danger. Whatever else happened today, one thing became abundantly clear: Severin Madrigal’s interest in her spa was not coincidental. And based on Xai’s reaction, it wasn’t welcome either.

Her mother’s journals had never mentioned days like this.