Alaric sat across from Elina in the carriage.
She stared out the window, jaw tight. Arms crossed. Her scarlet hair caught the light filtering through the curtains, but her golden eyes remained fixed on the passing scenery, deliberately not looking at him.
The silence stretched thick between them.
Alaric leaned back against his seat.
Didn't try to break it. Just let the quiet settle while the carriage wheels rolled steadily over the road.
Minutes passed. Then an hour. Then two.
The landscape shifted outside, city giving way to countryside.
Finally, the carriage slowed. The wheels crunched over gravel as they turned onto the manor's approach.
Then stopped.
The coachman's footsteps circled around. The door opened with a soft creak.
Elina didn't wait. She hopped down immediately, not bothering to use the step. Her boots hit the ground with purpose.
Alaric followed after. Took the step down, stretching slightly after the long ride.
When he turned toward the manor, he paused.
