Maria looked at Silas, visibly befuddled—her golden eyes wide with curiosity as she tried to make sense of his sudden action and the unexpected request to accompany her. They had only just t in passing, nothing more than strangers, and she only knew him through the rumors that buzzed through the academy like static in the air.
"Uhhh... while I don't mind at all," she said slowly, her tone tinged with hesitation, yet open.
She blinked once, then twice, tilting her head just slightly, like a puzzled bird. Her eyes never left his, and when she spoke again, her voice softened into sothing almost coaxing, oozing with a delicate care and subtle concern that caught him slightly off guard.
"Can I ask why?"
She had fully turned to face him now, hands relaxed at her sides, her expression gentle but inquisitive—like soone trying to read a book written in a foreign language.
Silas hesitated for a heartbeat, his mind scrambling for an excuse. He couldn't just say the truth—that he was lonely, disoriented, and using her as an anchor. It sounded too pathetic, even to himself. He knew Maria's personality from the ga well enough to trust she wasn't malicious, but... still. Vulnerability was a currency he couldn't afford to spend carelessly.
"Just... bored, I guess?"
He forced the words out as he lowered his arms, shrugging slightly to sell the casual lie.
Maria let out a soft sigh, her expression shifting again. Her golden pupils locked with his, calm and unblinking, and a small, knowing smile curled at the corners of her lips. There was sothing oddly maternal in the way she looked at him—gentle, warm, understanding—even though she was noticeably shorter than him, a figure dwarfed in height but not in presence.
"I obviously don't believe you," she said, tilting her head just a little more with a playful smirk, "but it doesn't sound like you an anything bad by it."
"So why not?"
She turned halfway, then paused again, as if weighing her words.
"The more the rrier. But I do have to warn you..."
Her voice turned a touch more serious, though it still held that spark of mischief. She placed her hand confidently over her chest, puffing it out like a proud knight accepting a personal quest, her expression shifting into sothing bold and determined.
"Philip doesn't exactly like you due to your violent tendencies."
There was no malice in the words—just a blunt honesty softened by the way she said it, like she didn't want to make a big deal out of it but still felt the need to be clear.
Then, just as quickly, the seriousness lted back into lighthearted charm.
"But I'll get him to like you!"
Her grin widened with infectious cheer, almost radiating from her as she struck a playful pose.
"You can count on !"
Silas couldn't help it—he let out a short laugh, quickly lifting his hand to cover his mouth in an attempt to muffle it. His chuckle was dry but sincere, and as it faded, his fingers dragged back through his hair in a casual sweep, more habit than necessity.
"Thank you. I won't be a hassle, I can guarantee you that."
Maria gave him a sidelong glance as she turned to head off, a quiet smile still lingering on her face. Her steps were light, almost a skip, as if the conversation had left her in higher spirits.
"No need to thank ," she replied cheerfully over her shoulder.
"I should thank you instead—for keeping company while I wait."
Silas gave a simple nod in response, falling into step beside her without needing to be asked. Their footsteps echoed softly in the stone hallways, filling the quiet void between them with sothing warr than silence.
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