The soft glow of a crystal orb embedded in the ceiling bathed Alex's room in a silvery, twilight-like shimmer, casting delicate shadows across the wooden walls, their grain polished to a warm sheen in the evening's quiet.
The faint scent of ink and polished wood mingled with the earthy warmth of Elaris Hold, wrapping the modest space in an intimate hush.
The bed creaked gently beneath them, the neatly made covers rumpled where Alex and Inolda lay, her pink curls spilling over the pillow, her bold eyes locked on his, a defiant spark flickering in their depths.
Her question cut through the stillness, her voice sharp but threaded with a teasing challenge.
"So, what's my punishment gonna be?" she asked, propping herself on one elbow, her vibrant tunic catching the crystal's glow, her grin daring him to push their game further.
Alex's smirk widened, his hazel eyes glinting with mischief as he leaned closer, his voice a low, husky murmur that filled the quiet room.
