Elara slowly pulled away. The movement wasn't abrupt or tense — just tired. As if she had only now realized how much energy the last few minutes had drained from her. Her eyes were still slightly red, her breathing uneven, but she no longer trembled.
— "Thank you. That..."
She faltered. The sentence didn't come together. It became just a short, dried-out sigh.
Dareth nodded. He didn't ask anything. He stepped back half a pace to give her space.
Elara said nothing, but sat down on one of the room's low, stylish couches. Not in the center, but at the edge — as if she were consciously trying to maintain some distance. Her shoulders were still tight, her hands folded in her lap.
Dareth walked toward the kitchenette. His movements were slightly mechanical, as if every part of him was still
