After finishing his tea, Lucas rose to take his leave. Yet when he reached the doorway, he paused and looked back once more.
Erian still stood in the courtyard with his back turned, calmly continuing to split firewood beneath the fading evening light.
Lucas watched him for a brief moment before turning away and departing.
Only after the sensation of that gaze disappeared did Erian finally lower the axe in his hands.
He slowly turned around and looked toward the now-closed gate. A faint crease formed between his brows.
* * *
That night, Caelith went once again to the rear courtyard to find him.
Erian sat on the old terrace with a block of wood resting in his hands, carving quietly beneath the silver wash of moonlight.
He is carving again...
Caelith walked up to him, her brows arching slightly as she asked, "What did he say to you earlier today?"
Erian shook his head. "Just small talk."
Caelith carefully assessed his expression. "Did he question you?"
Erian nodded once.
