In the span of four introductions, Azrail had expertly navigated four vastly different personalities—a strategist, a scholar, a general, and an artist—leaving each one with a tailored, deep impression that focused entirely on their greatest strength while subtly validating their deepest internal insecurity. He had established himself not as a pupil or a prize, but as a polymath of perspective who could speak every necessary language.
Gakoria, who had watched the entire interaction with narrowing eyes, now steered him firmly toward the central divan and sat him down beside her. She picked up a floating cup of amber nectar.
"My, my," Gakoria said, taking a slow sip. "You certainly have a gift for language. Four very different women, yet you found the perfect key for each one. We all feel quite... seen, wouldn't you say, ladies?"
