Darkness clung to the edges of the room like a silent observer.
Vera's eyes fluttered open slowly, her vision blurred and heavy, as if her mind were still dragging itself out of a fog. A dull ache pulsed faintly behind her temples, the aftermath of too much alcohol settling into her system. She blinked once… then again… until the world around her began to sharpen. The first thing she noticed was the ceiling.
It wasn't cracked, stained, or dim like most places she'd slept in before. No—it was smooth, polished, with subtle recessed lighting embedded into it like stars trapped behind glass. The faint golden glow cast a soft warmth across the room. Her eyes drifted.
Furniture.
Not just any furniture—expensive furniture. A large bed with pristine white sheets, untouched except for where she lay. A velvet-lined chair in the corner. A polished wooden dresser that gleamed even in the dim lighting.
And then—
The wall.
Or rather… the absence of one.
One entire side of the room was made of glass, stretching from floor to ceiling. Beyond it, the city sprawled endlessly, illuminated by countless lights—neon signs, passing cars, distant skyscrapers piercing the night sky. It was high… very high.
Vera slowly pushed herself up, her body still sluggish. Her eyes widened slightly as the realization settled in.
"Wow!, this seems expensive, no that's not the point"
She placed a hand on her forehead, trying to steady her thoughts. Right. Focus. Her surroundings didn't match her last memory. Just moments ago—well, what felt like moments—she had been at the bar. Drinking. Laughing. Challenging Machy.
Then… nothing.
Her expression shifted, the earlier awe fading into cautious alertness.
This isn't the bar.
Her gaze sharpened as she scanned the room again, this time more carefully. Every detail. Every corner. Every possible exit.
Where am I?
Her fingers curled slightly against the bedsheet.
And who brought me here?
The silence pressed in around her, thick and unnatural.
Then—
Footsteps.
Faint at first, but unmistakable.
Vera's entire body tensed instantly, her earlier grogginess evaporating. Her instincts kicked in, sharp and immediate. She slid off the bed as quietly as possible and moved to the other side, crouching low, using the mattress as cover. Her breathing slowed. Controlled. Her eyes locked onto the door.
The handle turned.
The door opened.
Elias stepped in.
His presence was calm, almost indifferent, as if walking into a room he owned. His gaze swept the space once, immediately noticing the subtle shift—the slight disturbance in the bedsheets, the absence of the girl who had been there moments ago.
He spoke anyway.
"no need to be cautious, Albert asked me to take—"
Before he could finish—
A pillow came flying straight toward his face.
Elias tilted his head slightly.
The pillow missed him completely, sailing past and hitting the wall behind him with a soft thud.
"…"
Silence.
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Then their eyes met.
Vera peeked from behind the bed, her face flushed slightly from embarrassment, while Elias stood there, completely unfazed.
"Is this how you plan to defend yourself"
Elias glanced down briefly at the fallen pillow, then let out a faint scoff.
Vera's face turned a deeper shade of red as she quickly ducked lower behind the bed, as if trying to disappear entirely.
The tension lingered for a second longer… then dissolved.
Elias turned slightly, already losing interest in the failed "attack."
"Lets go eat"
He casually pointed behind him with his thumb toward the dining area, as if this entire interaction had been completely normal.
A short while later.
The dining room was just as luxurious as the bedroom—if not more. A long, polished table stretched across the room, illuminated by a chandelier that cast a soft golden glow over everything beneath it. And on that table…
Food.
A lot of food.
Dishes of all kinds lined the surface—steaming plates, rich sauces, freshly baked bread, meats, vegetables, desserts. The aroma alone was enough to make anyone's stomach twist with hunger.
Vera stood there, completely still.
Her eyes sparkled.
A small string of drool threatened to betray her as she stared at the overwhelming spread.
Then slowly… she turned her head toward Elias.
She pointed at herself.
Her expression was bright, almost childlike, silently asking if all of this was really for her.
Elias didn't respond verbally.
He simply sat down.
That was enough.
Moments later, Vera was seated as well, digging in without hesitation. The clinking of utensils and quiet sounds of eating filled the room. For a brief moment, everything felt… normal.
Peaceful.
Elias ate at a steady pace, controlled and composed, his eyes occasionally drifting toward Vera as she devoured the food with unfiltered enthusiasm.
Then he spoke.
"is this all it it takes to make you trust a stranger?"
Vera froze mid-bite.
Her eyes widened slightly—
Then she almost choked.
Couh Cough.
She quickly grabbed a drink, swallowing it down before recovering.
"Albert sent you, so I know I'm good"
Elias watched her for a moment.
Maybe it's the food that convinced her, he thought inwardly.
The silence that followed wasn't tense—it was lighter now, almost… comical.
Vera continued eating, though slightly more aware now, sneaking glances at Elias between bites.
Then—
"By the way, what's your name?"
She tilted her head slightly, curiosity finally catching up to her.
Elias didn't even pause.
"Thats the first thing u should've asked for"
"…It's Elias"
He answered calmly, as if the question held no real weight.
Vera blinked.
Then smiled.
"You have a cool name, mines Vera"