The hallway was quiet, the air cool and scented faintly of old parchment and candle smoke. After Kaelith's departure from Elion, Hale lingered near the stone columns, arms folded tightly across his chest. He wasn't pacing but something in his stance suggested he wanted to. Waiting for Kaelith always felt longer than it should, even when only minutes passed.
Finally, Kaelith emerged.
Their eyes met Kaelith's calm and unreadable, Hale's brimming with everything he wouldn't say aloud.
Without a word, they turned and began walking side by side down the corridor. Their footsteps echoed in rhythm, Kaelith's cloak brushing softly against the floor, Hale's fingers twitching slightly at his side. They didn't speak. They didn't need to. The silence between them was charged with something electric tension, anticipation, longing.
Neither noticed the figure lurking in the shadows.
