"Thank you for everything, Roderick."
Elise muttered quietly, meeting Roderick's gaze. "I know this probably hasn't been the easiest kidnapping you have... but I appreciate what you've done for me. And, not throw me in a dungeon despite the drama."
Elise stood at the entrance of the estate, her heart heavy with the weight of everything that had happened. She faced Roderick, her fingers brushing the pendant at her neck, a nervous habit she'd developed over her stay.
It's only been a day… But, somehow it feels longer than that.
I should be terrified, she thought, glancing up at the looming structure of the estate behind her. I should be angry, or... something. But all she felt was a strange sense of numbness, as though her emotions had been dulled by the whirlwind of chaos that had overtaken her life.
Roderick gave her a rare, small smile. "You don't have to thank me, Princess. I promised to help you, and I intend to keep my word."
