The conversation drifted on easily, the kind of warm, half-awake small talk that only existed between two people comfortable enough to let silence fill the gaps without awkwardness. Belle was still wrapped in her blanket like a monochrome dumpling, and I was still sitting beside her, resisting every impulse to poke her cheeks just to see her grumble.
Then, when the mood was just right, I leaned back casually and said, "Sooo… since you're up now… think you could give me a few spoilers for the Hollowveil excursion?"
Belle went still.
Not dramatically.
Not stiffly.
Just… still.
Even though her eyes were covered, I could feel the stare. That silent, icy judgment that radiated through the blindfold like a laser beam.
"…Spoilers?" she repeated, voice dangerously neutral.
I nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah. You know. Just a few details. A little insider knowledge. A teeny tiny edge." I tapped my temple knowingly. "After all, knowledge is pow-"
THWACK.
