Dante didn't argue with her and he simply nodded his head even as he went ahead to help her towards her room. His grip on her arm was firm but distant, careful, as though she were something fragile that he was obligated to protect rather than someone he genuinely wished to hold. The hallway was quiet, the soft glow of the lights reflecting against the polished floors as their footsteps echoed faintly in the silence.
Dora relieved to get back to her room not daring to open her mouth lest she urge him to stay with her even as she watched him leave. Her fingers curled into the fabric of her gown, knuckles whitening as she stood there, forcing herself to remain silent while the door slowly closed behind him. She didn't trust herself to speak, afraid that if she did, her carefully restrained emotions would spill out uncontrollably.
