The mansion was quiet in a comfortable way. After the movement of the city, that kind of calm always helped organize the mind. Even so, I couldn't fully relax.
Scarlett was there.
And the atmosphere was still… strange.
We entered, and each person followed a natural path. Rai'kanna went straight to the resting area, throwing herself onto the sofa as if she had returned from something far more exhausting than it really was. Lyannis walked to the kitchen, probably looking for something light to eat. Elara went upstairs to change clothes, maintaining her ever-organized behavior. Vespera remained near the entrance for a few seconds, observing everything before silently moving inside.
Liriel didn't leave immediately.
She stood still for a moment, looking at Scarlett.
Without saying anything.
Scarlett looked away first.
After that, Liriel turned and walked inside, as if nothing had happened.
But it had.
I felt it.
"You can make yourself comfortable," I said, looking at Scarlett.
She nodded.
"Thank you."
Her voice came out lower than usual.
She walked carefully through the hall, as if she were still getting used to the environment. It wasn't her first time there, but the way she moved gave that impression.
Lyannis returned from the kitchen with two glasses.
"Juice. Want some?"
Scarlett seemed surprised for a second, but accepted.
"Yes, I do."
"Relax a bit," Lyannis said, smiling. "You're very tense."
Scarlett let out a small laugh, almost soundless.
"Habit."
Rai'kanna lifted her head from the sofa.
"Habit of what? Entering mansions or avoiding someone?"
Direct, as always.
Scarlett froze.
For a full second.
"Rai'kanna," Elara called, coming down the stairs. The tone wasn't harsh, but it was enough.
"I'm just saying," Rai'kanna replied, not seeming to care much.
"It doesn't help."
"Depends on the point of view."
The silence that followed was short, but dense.
Vespera appeared by the wall, leaning against it, observing.
"Unnecessary pressure leads to bad responses."
Rai'kanna shrugged.
"Or true ones."
Liriel returned at that moment, interrupting any continuation.
"If you're going to interrogate, do it properly," she said calmly.
Scarlett looked at her, clearly uncomfortable.
"There's no need for that."
"I agree," I said, before things went any further.
Everyone looked at me.
"She just came along. It's nothing serious."
Silence.
No one responded immediately.
But no one agreed either.
Lyannis tried to ease things.
"So… how long do you usually stay in Vailor when you come back from a mission?"
Scarlett appreciated the change of subject.
"Depends on the next mission. Sometimes I stay a few days."
"Do you rest?"
"Sometimes."
Rai'kanna let out a light laugh.
"You should. Keeping that pace alone isn't the best path."
"I can handle it."
The answer came firmer this time.
First sign of naturalness since she arrived.
Elara noticed too.
"Knowing how to handle it doesn't mean you have to do everything alone."
Scarlett didn't respond.
But she didn't look away this time.
That was… different.
The conversation became lighter after that. Not completely relaxed, but better than before. Small comments, simple questions, short answers.
Over time, the tension decreased.
It didn't disappear.
But it became manageable.
I watched all of it in silence.
The group was trying.
Each in their own way.
Rai'kanna still provoked from time to time, but more lightly. Lyannis kept the atmosphere stable. Elara controlled the pace. Vespera analyzed. Liriel kept observing everything, but without directly interfering.
And Scarlett…
Still avoided looking directly at me for too long.
That hadn't changed.
After a while, she stood up.
"I think I should go."
The sentence came calmly, but carried a certain relief.
As if she had been waiting for the right moment to say it.
Lyannis tilted her head.
"Already?"
"Yes. I still need to take care of some things."
Rai'kanna rested her arm on the back of the sofa.
"Things or running away?"
"Rai'kanna," Elara repeated, this time with a bit more firmness.
"Okay, okay," she replied, raising her hands.
Scarlett took a deep breath.
"That's not it."
But it didn't sound convincing.
She took a few steps toward the exit.
I watched for a moment.
Something inside me said that if I let her leave like that…
It would continue.
The same way.
Without answers.
Without resolution.
"Scarlett."
She stopped.
Slowly.
But didn't turn immediately.
When she did, her gaze met mine for a second.
And looked away.
Again.
"Wait a moment."
She hesitated.
"I—"
She stopped mid-sentence.
As if she didn't know what to say.
Or as if she was choosing.
I took a few steps forward, closing the distance.
"You said you'll be staying in Vailor for a few days."
She nodded slowly.
"Yes."
"So…"
I paused for a second.
Simple.
Direct.
No complication.
"Have dinner with us tonight."
Silence.
The entire group went quiet.
Scarlett didn't answer right away.
She looked at me.
For real this time.
Without looking away.
Her eyes clearly showed that she was caught off guard.
"I…"
She took a deep breath.
"I don't want to get in the way."
"You won't," Lyannis said immediately.
"Not at all," Rai'kanna added, with a slight smile.
"Could be interesting."
Elara simply nodded.
"You're welcome."
Vespera said nothing, but didn't oppose it either.
Liriel…
Watched.
Her reaction was the hardest to read.
Scarlett remained silent for a few seconds.
Thinking.
Weighing it.
And then…
"Okay."
The answer came quietly.
But firm enough.
"I accept."
Rai'kanna smiled.
"There we go. Now it's interesting."
Lyannis seemed satisfied.
Elara maintained her calm posture.
Vespera remained silent.
Liriel looked away for the first time since this began.
And I…
Watched Scarlett for one more moment.
This time, she didn't look away immediately.
But she didn't hold it either.
That brief moment was enough.
Because now it was clear.
This wouldn't stay as silence and avoided glances anymore.
The next step had already been taken.
And there was no turning back.