Page 114 of The Last Remaining Light

Only then did Elowynn let out a long, relieved exhale as they walked hurriedly down it to her room. She stopped just before the door, fishing in her pockets for the key.

“You realize,” she whispered while unlocking her chamber doors, “this is possibly the worst decision I have made all turning.”

Caelyn leaned one shoulder against the wall as he peered down the hall, ensuring they were still alone. “Only this turning?”

She looked over her shoulder at him, her expression devoid of humor. “Do not become arrogant because you are handsome now.”

“…now?” he mused.

Caelyn turned back to her, peering down into her eyes.

She held his gaze then realized, with no small amount of annoyance, she had been staring.

Caelyn’s mouth twitched, and his eyes bore into her. She swore he could see into her soul.

Tearing her gaze from his, heat climbed into her face. She pushed open the chamber doors far too fast, almost stumbling.

“Get inside before someone sees you,” she hissed.

Caelyn’s low laugh followed her into the room as the doors shut behind them with a heavy click.

Silence filled the space. He stopped just inside the doorway, his gaze roving over the room.

Resonance from the lanterns glowed across her chambers. Elowynn could see him taking in the books and star charts that crowded nearly every surface. His eyes lingered on the intricate astrylite conduits that hummed through the walls. As he was focused elsewhere, Elowynn moved to pick up some of the robes she had discarded across nearby chairs, peeking over at him every so often.

Something unreadable had flickered across his face.

“You live here?” he asked.

Elowynn blinked, a feeling of self-consciousness washing over her. “Yes.”

“It’s…” He looked around again. “Extravagant. Beautiful, really.”

He sounded sincere, not impressed or sarcastic. Just… honest.

Elowynn shoved the robes into her half-opened wardrobe before closing it fully, then turned to face him. Her arms came up to fold tight around herself.

“So,” she began. “What are you actually doing here?”

Caelyn brought his attention back to her, eyes searching her face before drifting to her posture, quietly taking in every subtle change.

She could see—with clarity—that he had seen through her performance in the ballroom.

Reaching behind his back, she watched as he clicked the lock on her door.

Elowynn’s eyes widened, but she didn't feel unsafe. Instead, exhilaration and anticipation poured through her.

Caelyn stepped forward one pace. Then two. Until he was standing right in front of her. She felt her breath hitch and her lungs constrict.

His gaze lowered slowly toward her arm and a shadow dropped over those magnificent green eyes.

“Elowynn,” he said, voice low.

The way he said her name now—she closed her eyes.

“It is fine,” she whispered.

“No,” he said roughly. “It isn’t.” A repeat from the gardens.