Elias returned with the water in a glass that probably cost more than everything in her kitchen combined.
"You're very tense," he observed quietly, setting the glass on the table before her.
"Yes, well," she replied, voice tight, "breaking and entering tends to do that."
His expression softened with understanding.
Her fingers wrapped around the glass, more for something to hold than for thirst.
"Thank you," she added faintly, her gaze lowering. "For bringing me here. For… everything."
He went silent for a few seconds and then lowered himself into the chair across from her—not too close, not looming, just near enough to anchor the room.
"You don't have to thank me," he said. "And you don't have to act like you're here as a favor or an inconvenience."
Her eyes flicked up, surprised.
"You're here because I want you safe," Elias continued, voice steady, sincere. "Nothing more complicated than that."
Maybe it should have comforted her.
