Linaris stood in the dimly lit hallway of her Vastu, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows against the stone walls. Her elegant black dress whispered softly against the floor as she approached the heavy oak door, her footsteps barely making a sound. A sudden knock broke the silence, the deep echo lingering in the still air.

She hesitated, her sharp green eyes narrowing with suspicion. Who would come unannounced at this hour? With a slow breath, she reached for the latch, fingers grazing the cold metal before finally unlocking it. As the door creaked open, the familiar figure standing before her sent a wave of warmth through her chest.

"Mmmph~ Michael… You didn’t tell me you were coming." Her voice was laced with a mix of surprise and longing as she leaned against the doorframe, her lips curling into a teasing smile. "Do you have any idea how much I’ve missed you?"