Eveloria briefly met his gaze and then sighed before speaking, "No, I do not."
His brows furrowed as he studied her, wondering if she was genuinely serious or merely playing off the situation by flat-out denying it. "Why are you even asking me this?" She inquired, a touch of curiosity in her tone.
With a sigh of his own, he ran his fingers through his hair in frustration before letting them slide down to the back of his neck.
"Nothing. What's your impression of him?" Ambrose inquired, shifting the focus of their conversation.
She regarded him with a perplexed frown, her expression questioning his line of questioning. He understood that he might be coming across as too inquisitive, but he couldn't help his curiosity.
Eveloria let out a deep sigh and stood up, her movements unhurried. "He seems enigmatic," her voice held a hollow quality to her ears, "and rather vexing," she added, the last word laced with a hint of indifference despite her annoyance.
Ambrose nodded in agreement. Gavriel's mysterious demeanor and lack of transparency seemed to be a consensus. As Eveloria left the training area, her thoughts mirrored her skepticism about Gavriel, 'More reason for me to remain vigilant. I can't place my trust in that man. I just hope he presents a valid reason for me to escape this place.'
***
An hour later, Briana managed to slip out of the Manor without arousing anyone's suspicion, aided only by her loyal maid. The carriage journeyed through the town, Briana nestled in the back seat, observing the passing scenery.
The city presented an enchanting sight under the cover of night. The lanterns along the main street painted a picturesque scene, casting a soft, warm glow. The streets remained quiet, with only the rhythmic clicks of the carriage wheels against the cobblestones breaking the silence. Occasional sighs and the rustling of clothing were the only sounds that accompanied them.
Finally, the carriage came to a stop in front of an imposing Manor. As Briana disembarked, a shiver ran down her spine from the cold air. She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to ward off the chill. Walking towards the grand Manor, a smile tugged at her lips. Climbing the steps with purpose, she reached the large front door after a few minutes.
Raising her hand, she rapped lightly against the door and stood with an air of expectation, waiting for someone to answer.
The silence lingered, seeming to stretch on indefinitely, before she heard the sound of approaching footsteps behind her. Turning around, she faced an elderly gentleman with white hair, wrinkles, and an exceptionally grumpy expression.
"Hello, Sir," she greeted him cheerfully. "I apologize for arriving at this hour, but it's of utmost importance. I'm here to speak with Lord Gavriel. May I be granted entry?" Her politeness radiated through her words.
Sir Kord's gaze bore into her, his eyes narrowed and his brows creasing. The judgment in his stare felt almost tangible. Suppressing the urge to fidget under his scrutinizing gaze, she waited patiently for him to decide whether or not to allow her in.
As Sir Kord opened his mouth to speak, footsteps from within the Manor interrupted him. The door creaked as its hinges groaned, and a deep, tired voice called out, "Who's there?" The weariness in his voice was palpable.
After a brief pause, Sir Kord finally spoke, "It's Lady Briana, My Lord," he announced. She turned to face Gavriel, who nodded in acknowledgment before inquiring, "Lady Briana, what brings you to my residence?" His deep, smooth voice sent shivers down her spine and made her toes curl uncomfortably.
Blushing, she averted her gaze, "Lord Gavriel, I deeply apologize for disrupting your rest, but I urgently need to discuss something with you," she murmured.
Gavriel's expression barely shifted, his voice maintaining its calm composure. "Please, come in." With a gesture, he invited Briana into the house. She hesitated momentarily before stepping inside and gently closing the door behind her.
The interior of the manor greeted her with darkness and a cool ambiance. Moonlight filtered through tall windows near the ceiling, casting soft pools of illumination on the marble floors. The walls were adorned with paintings, and the place seemed to exude an air of grandeur.
Gavriel led her through a corridor, guiding her towards his study. As he opened the door, Briana entered and closed it carefully behind her. The room immediately captured her attention, its intricately designed floor, walls, and ceiling drawing her awe. Her gaze landed on the imposing fireplace that dominated the space, radiating warmth and inviting comfort.
"Please, take a seat," Gavriel offered, indicating a chair in front of his desk. "Thank you, Lord Gavriel," Briana responded politely as she settled into the seat. Her eyes followed his movements as he poured himself a drink, took a sip, and set the glass down as he sat behind his desk. Leaning forward, he fixed her with a steady, stern gaze. "Now, Lady Briana, what brings you here?" His inquiry sounded composed and patient.
Sitting slightly on edge, Briana hesitated before quietly asking, "May I ask you a question?" His nod encouraged her to continue. "Are you genuinely interested in my stepsister?" Her question was straightforward, reflecting her sincere curiosity.
Gavriel regarded her thoughtfully before responding, "Yes, I suppose so." The answer was plain and simple. Briana's brows furrowed, and she clenched her fist, struggling with her emotions.
"Is there anything else we need to discuss tonight?" Gavriel questioned, abruptly standing up from his chair, indicating his intention to leave.
Her voice carried a bitter undertone, "Am I not more attractive than her?"
Gavriel's momentary surprise soon gave way to his characteristic calm demeanor. He met her gaze, his stormy gray eyes holding hers for a moment before he responded, "Yes, you are."
Briana's anger flared, and she moved towards him, her arms crossing defensively. "Then why choose her?" Her voice resonated with frustration.
His expression remained inscrutable, his gray eyes unwavering. A faint smirk appeared on his lips, hinting at the thoughts running through his mind. He thought, 'Lady Briana seems rather shameless, impulsive, audacious, beautiful, and utterly unaware.'
He offered a nonchalant shrug, his voice laced with amusement. "I just felt like choosing her."
"But now that you've brought it up, you do strike me as quite an intriguing young lady yourself. So, tell me, what is it that you desire?" He added, his tone now playfully tinged with amusement as he leaned casually against the desk, crossing his arms.