Edward sat across the small coffee table, the faint clink of porcelain echoing through the room as he set his cup down. The air carried the faint fragrance of herbs steeped too long, mingling with the faint musk of old wood. Across from him, Auren swirled his own drink lazily, his eyes sharp and unreadable even behind the curl of steam.
"So… you're probably wondering why I called you here today," Auren began at last, tone casual, but his stare unblinking.
Edward lifted his cup again, sipping without hurry. "Not really," he thought to himself. "It's most likely about the soldier I killed." He let the silence stretch, then exhaled.
"I do admit, I was surprised," he said aloud, tilting his head as though humouring the man.
Auren lingered for a moment, then smiled, though the expression didn't reach his eyes. He raised his cup, took a small sip, and never once broke his gaze. When the rim left his lips again, his voice carried a careful calm.
