The cabin fell into a quiet stillness once more, the faint sound of water flowing through the glass conduits along the walls providing a soft, almost rhythmic backdrop as Damon remained seated, his gaze fixed on Elowen, his eyes narrowing slightly as her question lingered in the air.
"Why do you want to know?" he asked.
Elowen did not answer immediately.
She simply looked at him, that same calm, unreadable smile resting on her face.
"Is she important to you?" she asked instead.
Damon's expression tightened.
For a fraction of a second, something flickered in his eyes—Then it hardened.
"No," he said.
Elowen's smile did not falter.
"Then what is the problem in saying her name?" she asked gently.
Damon did not respond.
His fists clenched subtly at his sides as his thoughts turned inward, sharper than before.
Yeah… what is the problem…?
Why am I… not willing to say it out loud…?
The question lingered unanswered.
