The outside was peaceful, and so did the inside of the cottage. But his heart pounded a little faster while waiting for her story. He willed himself not to shiver out of dread.
The clock continued ticking, signaling the continuous passage of time. The pair remained on the couch, showing no signs of going to bed despite being exhausted from their previous adventures.
"Eddy, I told you that I befriended him for a short time, right? Can you guess why?"
Lariette began the story by asking Ruediger. She kept her gaze on him, watching how his brows furrowed slightly under his messy crimson bangs.
Ruediger didn't answer Lariette immediately. Curling her hair around his finger, he let her words, albeit simple, echo again in his mind. He pondered for a moment.
"I can only think of one reason."
Ruediger finally parted his lips, his voice low. Lariette thought she heard a faint hint of caution in his tone. Still, she stayed silent as he resumed, curious of his guess.
