She just whispered, "Yeah. I think I did too."
I stared at Velka, the silence stretching between us, filled with a strange new understanding that neither of us fully comprehended yet. My pulse fluttered in my throat, rapid and uncertain, the words she'd spoken settling like snowflakes delicate, soft, but quietly transforming the landscape of everything between us.
Velka cleared her throat, cheeks coloring a delicate shade of rose that made me suddenly aware of every heartbeat echoing through my body. She tugged at her cloak again, gaze flickering toward the towering shelves lined with dusty tomes.
"I uh I didn't not worry about you," Velka blurted, eyes widening immediately afterward as if she'd surprised herself by speaking.
I blinked, confusion flickering into amusement. "Was that a double negative confession?"
Her gaze snapped back to mine, embarrassment coloring her cheeks even brighter. "Maybe," she muttered defensively. "Or maybe it's just bad grammar. You decide."
