Once again, her smile widened, visibly pleased with his words, and Elion found himself wondering how far he could push this before she grew tired of being flattered.
There was something almost girlish about her delight, which made the human bones lying behind her all the more disturbing. He couldn't reconcile the two, but he was beginning to realise that she saw no contradiction between them.
[Careful, host.]
'You think I need reminding?'
"Show me your hand," she said suddenly, withdrawing her graceful palm from his cheek and pointing toward his left hand.
Elion's brow rose, a flicker of uncertainty passing through his expression.
'What does she hope to achieve by asking for my hand?' he wondered, though he had little intention of keeping her waiting.
He extended his arm, allowing the back of his hand to settle into her upturned palm.
