Cassandra arrived at the mansion with hurried, uneven steps, her face still warm from the storm of emotions swirling within her. She was flustered, trying to regain her composure after what had just happened. Strax's mischievous smirk lingered in her mind, irritating her more with herself than with him.
As she stepped into the main hall, she spotted Daniela lounging casually in one of the armchairs, flipping through a thick book. Her sister glanced up briefly and immediately noticed Cassandra's disheveled state. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and her usual poise seemed to have taken a hit.
"What's this?" Daniela asked, raising an eyebrow. "Someone managed to get under your skin again?"
Cassandra huffed, throwing herself onto the couch with a dramatic sigh. She crossed her arms and stared at the ceiling, deliberately avoiding her sister's gaze. "It's nothing," she said defensively, though the hesitation in her voice only piqued Daniela's curiosity further.
