[To say that he can sense her displeasure would be an understatement. Even if Alina were not marking her annoyance with crossed arms and and a scowl, the invisible tether forged between them by synchrony passes her feelings to him. A faint impression, a prickling, as if left by a hand on the back of his neck.

Nikolai’s own mood is...well, honestly, he doesn’t know. His chance encounter with Zoya has ignited that familiar restlessness underneath his skin. The sight of her was welcome and unwelcome at once, her presence familiar yet jarring.

But he will have to sort out his own mind and heart later. Alina’s sour mood is the fire that requires putting out right now. He sighs and gives her a sheepish little smile.]

I am, on occasion, struck by a nonsensical notion. [A shake of his head.] No, Zoya is a big girl. I imagine she quite relishes this chance to live on her own.

[Unbeholden to him or to anyone else.]

More importantly...

[Despite Alina’s closed off body language, he drapes his arm over her shoulder and lightly squeezes her upper arm on the other side.]

It’s not my house, it’s our home. You have as much say in the matter as I have.