Selene stopped in front of a heavy oak door.
Her study.
She released Alaric's arm and pushed the door open.
Creak!
Then her hand was back on his arm. Tugging him inside with that same unyielding grip.
Thud!
The door closed behind them.
Alaric's eyes adjusted to the warmer lighting. Candles and a small essence lamp cast golden light across the room. Bookshelves lined the walls. A large desk dominated one side.
And sitting in one of the chairs near that desk—
Elina.
Her scarlet hair caught the lamplight. She was already settled in, posture straight, hands folded in her lap like she'd been waiting.
Her eyes blinked once when she saw him.
Then narrowed.
"You first said you're not coming." Her voice carried accusation. "Why are you here?"
Alaric rolled his neck. First one side, then the other.
He moved toward the empty chair beside her.
"I didn't plan to."
He dropped into the seat. Let himself sink back against the cushion with exaggerated comfort.
