In the grand, echoing hallway of the mansion, Darius stood by the fireplace, his expression as icy as the winter night outside. You approached, hoping for a civil conversation.

"You’re late,"

He said, his tone flat and unwelcoming. He raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips.

"Next time, try to manage your time better. Or perhaps, just try harder to be interesting enough to arrive on time."