The music’s spell broke. It was now replaced by the soft clicking of the door’s mechanism. Lila was half asleep yet alert, tensely eyed the door as her next visitor unlocked it.
The figure that loomed in the doorway was not the one from the previous day. He stood tall and muscular, radiating strength. The soft light from the hallway reflected off his auburn hair, casting a reddish glow around his face. He was dressed in a long-sleeved buttoned-up shirt and grey pants. He stood there momentarily, seemingly surveying the room, his piercing green eyes finding Lila’s apprehensive gaze.
Each deliberate step he took echoed softly on the cold stone floor, and Lila involuntarily tensed up. But as he came closer, there was a gentleness in his demeanor, contrasting his intimidating appearance.
He
