Ayla's POV
The room beyond the doors opened into a warm, lavish space, softly lit and buzzing with quiet conversation. Elena's presence seemed to sharpen the atmosphere, demanding attention without a word.
I watched her step in gracefully, smiling slightly, while I lingered behind the doorway, unsure if I should move. Just as I was about to step backward hoping to wait for her, the door swung open again. A hand reached for mine. It was Elena's.
"Let's go together," she said gently.
"Me…?" I started, surprised, but she didn't wait for me to finish. She pulled me in effortlessly, and I found myself walking beside her again. She handed the gift back to me, and I murmured to myself, maybe it felt heavy again for her, or maybe she just can't afford to lose her aura by carrying the gift herself here. A small smile tugged at my lips.
