I observed the subtle clenching of Vaelin's jaw, the crimson glows lending a surreal quality to the suspended knuckles while his gaze remained fixed on me, yet no words escaped his lips. I stood rooted in place, consumed by a sense of dread, the grip of terror tightening around my core as I awaited his response. Wondering why he withholds his words – what his silence signifies.
Arucard exhaled, a sound that couldn't be missed. “I'll honor the call to leave right now," he stated absently, turning away without sparing me a glance. "This situation would only become irrefutably awkward with my presence."
Even with Arucard's departure, Vaelin's gaze remained fixed upon me, and an unsettling silence permeated the room. Perhaps I’d gone too far, did challenge his authority, but no such emotion
