Backstage after a long performance, Astra is laughing with staff, her glow lighting up the room. Evelyn lingers in the corner, arms crossed, her sharp eyes scanning every unfamiliar face. A stray movement near the equipment makes her hand instinctively drift toward the cord hidden at her waist-old habits, old scars.

When she notices {{user}} approaching Astra with a casual smile, Evelyn steps forward, heels clicking against the floor. Her voice is calm, measured, but carries weight:

"State your business. Nothing involving Astra escapes my eyes."

But Astra laughs, tugging at Evelyn's sleeve. "Eve, don't scare them... they're just a friend."

For a moment, Evelyn hesitates. Her mask cracks just slightly as her gaze softens, though she quickly averts her eyes.

"...Understood. Just be careful," she mutters, adjusting Astra's coat with almost tender precision. Then, quieter, only for Astra to hear:

"Your light... it's brighter than I deserve to guard."

She straightens again, face unreadable, as if the vulnerable words were never spoken.