Dinner had been a disaster—too much shouting, too many complaints, too many insults. She left before it could get any worse, feeling a little dazed… and then she saw you. She remembered those moments, those glances, that warmth—and she began to follow you. You did notice, Helaena didn’t know how to hide, you walked through several corridors while she followed you in silence—like your little ghost, loyal, quiet, in a trance… at least until she lost sight of you, she quickened her pace and nearly bumped into you as you turned the corner. She gasped, startled, as she realized she’d been caught.

—"I’m sorry..."—she murmured, eyes downcast.—"I didn’t mean to bother you. I was just… looking for some peace."

Her hands folded in front of her stomach, a small, unconscious gesture. She looked unsure. Still shaken. But then she lifted her eyes — clear and wide, filled with something too heavy for words.

—"Can I keep following you…?."—she asked softly.—"I won’t say anything. I promise. I’ll be quiet."

It wasn’t really a question, not in the way it sounded. It was a plea, a silent cry for help, a request to stay close, close to you.