Keyon stared at the icy countenance of Alla, suddenly perceiving her as a porcupine. The barest approach from him, and she would brandish her quills, causing him to recoil and hesitate to proceed. With a semblance of defeat, he uttered, "I require no supplications from you, no endeavours to please me. All I ask is your wellbeing."
Alla had steeled herself for a vehement argument, yet was taken aback by his unexpected statement. She gazed blankly at Keyon, who responded with a slight curl of his lips. His smile was gentle and pure, devoid of manipulation, as if he was genuinely concerned about her health, thus his additional queries.
Turning away, Keyon lifted a plate of food from the table, offering it to Alla. "Nourish yourself," he suggested. Alla was unresponsive, her lacklustre eyes fixated on the meal, lost in thought. "Alla?" Keyon called, prompting her to lift her gaze towards him.
