Daphne entered the house, cradling the tiny kitten she had rescued earlier. Yarrow, her loyal dog, perked up the moment she stepped inside. The warmth from the fireplace bathed the room in a comforting glow, dispelling the chill of the outside world.
She glanced at Yarrow, then at the kitten in her arms, silently conveying her concern and affection. Though unable to speak, her expressive violet eyes communicated emotions that words might have failed to capture.
With gentle movements, Daphne placed the kitten into a small basket lined with soft cotton blankets near the fire. Yarrow approached cautiously, sniffing curiously at the new arrival, his eyes filled with a mix of wonder and tenderness. Before long, he seemed to accept the kitten, as though recognizing a shared vulnerability.
Daphne watched silently, a faint smile tugging at her lips. She hoped the kitten would find solace here, yet she let her gaze express what she couldn't voice aloud.
Moments later, the sound of the door opening and steady footsteps broke the silence. Adonis had returned home. Daphne's heart fluttered as she instinctively rushed toward the door, a strange blend of worry and longing surging through her.
Adonis halted briefly, surprised by her sudden appearance. His sharp blue eyes softened as they met hers. "Where have you been? Are you alright?" he asked, his tone laced with concern.
Daphne offered a small, reassuring smile, her expression conveying that everything was fine. Without a word, she gently took his hand, guiding him toward the fire where the kitten lay nestled. Her eyes, filled with quiet pride, seemed to say, I saved her.
Adonis observed the scene, his gaze lingering on the kitten. "So, this is the reason," he remarked with a soft smile, his voice carrying a note of understanding. "You rescued her."
Daphne's silent gestures spoke volumes. Her compassion radiated in her every movement, and Adonis found himself unexpectedly moved. Though a man of few outward displays of emotion, he couldn't ignore the warmth that seemed to emanate from her.
As they sat by the fire, Adonis noticed the damp clothes clinging to her frame. "You're still wearing those wet clothes," he said, his voice firm but tinged with concern. "I'll lend you something dry. Tomorrow, I'll make sure you have proper attire."
Daphne blinked in surprise, touched by his unexpected kindness. Though he often carried himself with an air of aloofness, there was a tenderness in his words that hinted at the man beneath the stoic exterior.
Adonis left briefly and returned with a simple yet comfortable set of clothes—a soft white shirt and loose black trousers. "These should do for tonight," he said, placing them on a nearby chair. "They're not much, but they'll keep you warm."
Daphne nodded, her violet eyes shining with gratitude. She changed into the dry clothes after Adonis gave her privacy, feeling the soft fabric envelop her. It wasn't just the physical warmth that comforted her; it was the gesture itself—a quiet acknowledgment of her presence and well-being.
When she rejoined him by the fire, Adonis was placing two small bowls on the floor—one filled with warm milk for the kitten and another for Yarrow. The kitten eagerly began lapping at the milk, while Yarrow drank with measured calm.
"I can't believe I'm feeding these two," Adonis muttered, his voice carrying a hint of amusement as he leaned back in his chair.
Daphne glanced at him, her smile soft but filled with unspoken gratitude. She saw something in him she hadn't noticed before—a gentleness hidden behind the sharpness of his features.
Adonis caught her gaze and raised an eyebrow. "Don't look at me like that," he said, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "They were hungry. That's all."
His tone was dismissive, but Daphne saw through it. His actions spoke louder than his words, revealing a man who cared deeply, even if he tried to hide it.
A few moments later, Adonis seemed to remember something. "Wait here," he said abruptly, disappearing into another room. When he returned, he held a new notebook and a pen.
Handing them to Daphne, he said, "Use this to write down anything you want to say. It might be easier for you."
Daphne accepted the notebook with wide eyes, her fingers brushing his as she took it. Her gaze lingered on him, noting how his simple white shirt and rolled-up sleeves revealed the strength of his arms. Though he was dressed casually, his natural elegance and magnetic presence were undeniable.
"Sorry for looking like this," he said with a faint chuckle. "It's the only comfortable thing I have after a long day."
Daphne's cheeks warmed as she shook her head, signaling that he looked fine—more than fine, actually.
Adonis sat back down, his expression softening as he observed her. "Don't hesitate to use it," he said, gesturing to the notebook. "No need to keep everything bottled up in silence."
Her heart swelled at his words. Though he maintained his stoic demeanor, his gestures were undeniably thoughtful. Daphne's violet eyes glimmered with gratitude as she opened the notebook, ready to bridge the gap between her silence and the words she longed to share.
In that quiet moment, surrounded by the crackling fire and the peaceful presence of Yarrow and the kitten, Daphne felt a sense of belonging she hadn't experienced since arriving in this strange, unpredictable world. And perhaps, just perhaps, she was beginning to unravel the enigmatic heart of the man who had unknowingly become her anchor.