Chapter 197: Embracing Shadows

“You smell different, Zen,” Caitlin said, her voice laced with curiosity. She pulled back slightly to peer into his eyes, her gaze searching and intense. “Why do you smell different?” Zendedari chuckled softly, a sound like dark velvet. “It’s not another woman, my red-haired enchantress. Why the suspicion? I met someone like me in the forest. I was in need, and he offered his help.” “And you accepted?” Caitlin’s astonishment was evident. It was hard to reconcile this moment with the wary, shadowed figure she had first encountered. “You let a total stranger assist you?” “You were a stranger once, and I allowed you to do more than just help me,” he teased, his lips grazing the corner of hers. “In fact, you sparked quite a few intriguing ideas on how you might assist me further.” “I did no such thing,” Caitlin retorted, though her tone was light. “I only ever said I was your doctor, nothing more. And you never listened to me. Zen, it’s a rather bad habit of yours to ignore me.” His l