The door to the dining hall opened with a soft creak. Elias entered, pushing a silver trolley that carried a porcelain tray covered with a cloche. His steps were steady, but his eyes flicked up as if wanting to gauge the mood of the room.
What caught Axelius's attention, however, wasn't the trolley—but the little figure walking just ahead of it.
Ellory.
With her hands tucked neatly behind her back and a bright smile gracing her small face, she walked toward him with such confidence that for a moment, Axelius didn't know whether to frown or sigh.
He chose the former.
"What are you doing here again?" he muttered, frowning slightly.
