The moment Rory finished speaking, Aren's eyes dimmed as though the light had been snuffed out of them. A heavy pall of sorrow and unease settled over him, wrapping around his entire being. He looked as if he might shatter at any second.
Rory hadn't expected him to rely on her so deeply. After a brief pause, she spoke gently.
"Why don't I ask Vangar first? If he says it's alright, I'll definitely come see you."
At her words, Aren's expression lit up. He seized Rory's hand, urgency spilling into his movements as he tugged her toward the door.
"Female Master, let's go ask Vangar right now."
But before they could take a step further, the door was pushed open from the outside.
Vangar's tall figure filled the doorway.
The instant he saw that Aren was awake, his forward stride halted. He froze where he stood, as though rooted to the spot, not daring to step inside.
By now, Vangar had developed a reflexive wariness toward Aren, especially after that incident with the fruit.
