The evening air was cool, carrying the faint scent of fresh earth after the long day. The horizon still burned faintly orange, but shadows stretched long across the cobbled path. As the two walked side by side, silence stretched between them, filled only by the soft crunch of their footsteps against stone.
Lilliane's gaze flickered toward Luca, then darted away again, her fingers tightening around the hem of her sleeve. She chewed her bottom lip as if bracing herself, waiting for him to speak.
He could feel her eyes on him, though she tried to disguise it, and inside his mind, a quiet struggle began.
How should I answer? I know some of the truths… but if I speak them plainly, will it help? Or only burden her?
His jaw tensed, then relaxed as he exhaled softly. At last, he parted his lips.
"Well… if they're saying it, it might hold some truth." His gaze lowered, watching the faint scuff of his shoe against the stone. "But… there's always the chance it's just rumor too."
