"Right," Zara said, her voice growing colder, Flare's scales darkening in response. "A city to run. It's funny, you know? A few days ago, you seemed very interested in talking to him privately. What was that about?"
The four girls visibly tensed, their salamanders mirroring their unease. Mei was the first to recover, her amber eyes meeting Zara's gaze steadily. "We just wanted to personally ask him for the opportunity to help. Nothing more."
Zara wasn't convinced, her eyes narrowing. "Nothing more? Because it seemed like you had a lot to tell him. Especially you." She said, pointing at Lila, whose golden salamander curled tighter.
Aria stepped in, her salamander growing slightly, reflecting her irritation. "What exactly are you implying?"
"I'm not implying anything," Zara responded, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'm just wondering why four girls who barely know Elio would be so eager to talk to him in private."