Julian didn't expect to see anyone outside his door.
That was why he noticed him immediately.
Elias stood a few steps away from it, not leaning, not restless, just there as if he had decided the space belonged to him for as long as he needed it. His posture was as composed as always, coat neat, expression unreadable in the low light of the hallway.
Julian slowed, but he didn't stop.
Not yet.
"You've started waiting for me now," he said as he approached.
Elias's gaze lifted, settling on him without surprise. "You've been difficult to reach."
"That usually means something."
"It usually does."
Julian reached his door and stopped in front of it, not turning his back on him, not inviting him closer either. He slid his key into the lock but didn't open it yet.
"What do you want," Julian asked.
