The following days established a strange but not unpleasant pattern.
The three girls appeared in private places, generally in Aldric's classroom instead of their respective tutor classes, for the "social practice sessions". Aldric had insisted that Ren dedicate at least one daily hour to this, and Ren, genuinely thinking it was part of his noble education, had accepted.
But the sessions rarely were what he anticipated.
Ren began noticing patterns. Small things that initially seemed innocent but that, when accumulated, created a strange sensation. Like pieces of a puzzle he couldn't quite see the full picture of.
Cassia had the habit of touching his arm when she asked a question. Only briefly, only a light touch, but consistent. Her fingers would rest on his forearm for just a moment, warm through the fabric of his sleeve, always when making a point or seeking his attention.
