That unsettled Isabelle slightly with worry. "Elena," she said carefully, "you do understand that you're allowed to refuse if you're uncomfortable?"
Elena looked up at her properly. Something softened faintly in her eyes at the genuine concern in the woman's voice but it disappeared just as quickly.
"It's alright," she said quietly. "I don't mind."
Again.
That same response.
That same strange acceptance.
Alaric's fingers tightened subtly around the fork in his hand because she said those words too easily. Like someone who had stopped expecting things to be different a long time ago.
Clara looked between them carefully now, the earlier curiosity in her eyes replaced by unease. Even Daniel seemed more observant suddenly. Only Edward remained satisfied with how the dinner was going.
Finally, he broke the silence himself.
"This arrangement is final. I will not tolerate anyone trying to say against it anymore."
