Avvion didn't look back, yet his steady, brisk pace forced Olivia to keep moving even though her feet were beginning to blister.
The palace corridor was deathly quiet, save for the contrasting rhythm of their footsteps the heavy thud of Avvion's leather boots and the strange click-clack of Olivia's heels.
Each click echoed like a bell calling for attention. Olivia tried to step on the balls of her feet to muffle the sound, but it only made her gait look awkward and bizarre.
"Stop walking like that," Avvion remarked without turning.
"I… I'm trying," Olivia replied, her voice barely a whisper.
"Take those things off if they're bothering you," Avvion commanded flatly.
Olivia froze. If she removed the shoes, she would be barefoot on the cold, dirty palace floor. But she was more afraid of Avvion continuing to question the origins of the modern footwear.
With trembling hands, she paused, bent down, and unbuckled her heels.
