"Her… son?" Ivaim repeated, keeping his tone steady though his grip on the flour bag tightened ever so slightly.
He masked the shiver that threatened to crawl up his spine with a polite smile.
The man's smile grew just a touch, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.
"That's right," he said, his gravelly voice calm yet carrying an unsettling weight.
Ivaim's heart thudded in his chest, but he forced himself to nod as if the response was completely ordinary.
"Well… nice to meet you," he managed, his voice light but not too casual. He took a step toward the bakery door, keeping his movements unhurried.
The man's gaze lingered on him, sharp and unblinking, before he gave a faint nod in return.
"Likewise," he said simply, stepping aside to let Ivaim pass.
As soon as Ivaim crossed the threshold of the bakery, the comforting warmth of the shop wrapped around him, carrying with it the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries.
