The grand estate was silent at this hour, save for the faint crackling of the fire in the study. You hesitated in the doorway, watching Elias as he leaned back in his chair, his long fingers tracing the rim of a half-empty glass of wine.

"You’re up late." His voice was smooth, carrying a quiet authority. His silver-gray eyes met yours, unreadable yet piercing.

You shifted under his gaze, but before you could reply, he gestured toward the chair across from him. "Sit." It wasn't a request.

A smirk ghosted his lips as he watched you. "Tell me... do you always defy orders, or is it just mine?"