As evening arrived, the bells announcing the hour echoed faintly through the capital.
At the East City Teahouse, Marina sat alone within a private room. A pot of tea rested before her.
The tea had long gone cold.
Outside the window, daylight gradually surrendered to dusk. She tapped her fingers lightly against the tabletop, waiting.
Then the door opened. Erian stood in the doorway.
Marina turned and smiled.
"Mr. Erian, I was beginning to think you wouldn't come."
Erian stepped inside and took the seat opposite her. He did not speak a word.
Marina poured him a cup of tea.
"Have you still not made up your mind after all this time?"
Erian merely looked at her from underneath his furrowed brows.
His gaze was calm. So calm that it revealed nothing.
Marina waited, but no answer came. The smile on her face faded slightly.
"Very well," she said. "Let's stop circling around the matter."
Leaning forward, she rested her elbows upon the table.
