Alaric stepped out into the hallway.
Going towards the manor entrance.
He rounded the final corner.
Then paused.
"Hmm?"
He saw Elina standing near the entrance.
She was tending to a flower bed that lined the pathway. A watering can in her hands.
She tipped the can. Water cascaded out in a steady stream onto the roses below.
Alaric blinked.
That's... unexpected.
Elina gardening. Voluntarily. Without being asked.
He raised his hand and waved at her.
"Morning!"
His voice carried across the distance.
Elina's head turned. Her eyes found him immediately.
For a moment, their gazes locked.
Then she looked away, turned her attention back to the flowers like he hadn't spoken at all.
The watering continued.
Huh?
Alaric's hand lowered. He furrowed his brows slightly and walked toward her.
"What are you doing?"
The watering can tipped. More water flowed.
Silence stretched.
One second. Two. Three.
Then—
"None of your business."
The words came flat. Cold.
