Alan sat across from her, unsure whether to sip the tea… or sip her gaze.
The cup she poured for him was steaming slightly, giving off a fragrance like moonflowers soaked in spring dew.
It smelled nostalgic, though he had never tasted anything like it.
"I see you're holding back your questions," Zuzu said softly, stirring her own cup with a crystalline spoon that shimmered like a shard of frozen time.
Alan didn't respond.
He knew he was in the presence of something beyond the comprehension of his mind.
Not just a cursed maiden, not just a contract holder… but something more, maybe she is trapped here or perhaps she has trapped herself here.
But he completely believed here that she couldn't take back the curse.
Some words once spoken are forever.
She watched him with amused eyes.
"Still not drinking?"
"I will... But, umm, I have a question... I wonder if you are willing to enlighten me?" Alan uttered.
