Alaric's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, his grin spreading wide across his face. He gently rubbed her hair with the same hand that had been covered in lava just moments before, the touch sending a soft whisper of movement through her locks. The scent of his skin, slightly smoky from the lava, mingled with the air around them. His voice was low and playful, laced with amusement, as he said, "Haa, it's kinda magic, little chick. Did you like it? Want to see it again?" The warmth of his breath caressed her skin, making her feel a flutter in her chest.
Luzella's words were laced with a mix of relief and wariness as she shook her head, her voice firm but slightly hesitant. "No need for another time. I already watched enough. It was good, it didn't harm you." Her gaze lingered on his hand, as if searching for any sign of injury, her brow furrowed in concern. Despite her words, her eyes betrayed a flicker of curiosity, hinting that she wasn't entirely unaffected by what she'd witnessed.
Alaric's voice was soothing, his words a gentle balm to her frazzled nerves. "Stop being a worrywart and let's go grab some food now, and then you can sleep for as many hours as you want. Okay?" He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and his tone was playful, but with a hint of understanding, as if he knew exactly what she needed to unwind.
Luzella's face reddened with anger as she spun away, her voice sharp and biting. "Why should I? You should go and break another glass," she snapped. "Do you think only you can do anything when you get angry? I won't eat, no matter what. Now, go and break another glass." Her words were laced with sarcasm and resentment that left no doubt about her fury. As she turned sharply to left from there, her long hair swirled around her. The sound of her footsteps echoed through the space, a deliberate stride that conveyed her anger and frustration.
Alaric's eyes widened in surprise as he watched Luzella's outburst, his mind racing with questions. He wondered, 'Is she really the kind and sweet girl the information described?' taken aback by her fierce reaction. He thought she had quite a temper.
Alaric sighed and took big strides to stop her, quickly closing the distance between them. He reached out and gently but firmly grasped her hand, his touch warm and calming. "Okay, enough," he said softly. "It's my mistake. Calm down. Let's forget about this and it won't happen again." His voice was soothing, a gentle balm to her frazzled emotions, as he tried to diffuse the tension between them.
Luzella didn't respond, and Alaric softly sighed. He tried again, his voice gentle and persuasive. "If someone acknowledges their mistake and promises to learn from it, wouldn't it be fair to give them another chance? Don't you think so?" His words hung in the air, filled with a hopeful expectation that she would understand his sincerity and calm down.
Luzella's expression finally softened, and she murmured a reluctant "Hmm." Alaric's face lit up with a warm smile as he said, "That's my little girl. Now, come and let's eat something." His tone was as if coaxing her out of her irritation. She looked up at him, her gaze still wary but slightly more yielding.
Luzella nodded, and together they headed to eat. As it turned out, Butler Halley wasn't there, and instead, a girl named Mia came to serve them. She efficiently attended to their needs and left them alone once she had finished her work. The atmosphere seemed to relax further as they were left to themselves, the silence between them no longer tense but rather companionable.
Luzella continued to eat, while Alaric took a few bites before pushing his food aside and sipping his drink instead. She glanced up at him, and asked, "Why aren't you eating anything?" Her voice was soft, but her gaze held a hint of concern.
"I'm full," Alaric replied nonchalantly. "You continue to eat to your fill and I'll keep you company." His voice was relaxed, and he leaned back in his chair, his eyes on her as he sipped his drink, his presence calm and attentive.
Luzella raised an eyebrow, her voice laced with skepticism. "It's so little. Is your stomach really full?" She looked at him doubtfully, as if questioning the validity of his claim.
Alaric chuckled and replied, "Hmm, why wouldn't I eat to my stomach's fill? It's my home, after all. I'm really full. You continue eating." His words were laced with amusement, and his eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, the atmosphere between them lightening further.
Luzella sighed and finished her meal. Afterward, they both left the dining room and entered the living room. Alaric turned to her and said, "Now, go get some sleep. I'll see you tomorrow." His voice was gentle, with a hint of warmth, as he bid her a good night.
Luzella's brow furrowed slightly as she asked, "Hmm? Your room upstairs too. Wasn't it? Aren't you going to sleep?"
Alaric shook his head and replied, "No, I'm going somewhere."
Luzella didn't press for details and instead suggested, "But it's already midnight, wouldn't you go tomorrow?" Her tone was gentle, with a hint of concern for his late-night plans.
Alaric smiled and replied, "I have to go now. It's fine. It's normal for me. You go to your room and sleep." Luzella thought for a moment, her eyes searching his face, and said, "Then I'll come with you."
Alaric's expression softened as he replied, "Little girl, go to bed. I told you, I'll see you tomorrow." His voice was gentle but firm, with a warm tone that put her at ease.
Luzella's face set in a stubborn expression as she replied, "Earlier, you said I'm staying with you wherever you are. Now you're leaving me here? You're a big liar if you change your words like this with a child." Her voice trembled slightly, her lower lip jutting out in a pout.
Alaric's eyebrow shot up as he questioned, "With a child? Are you referring to yourself as a child?" His tone was laced with amusement, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.