Shadow of eternity and necklace of death

Alice sat at the grand table, the warm glow of the candles casting soft shadows across the room. Sebastian, who had been standing beside her for a moment, noticed Midnight shifting restlessly around the table, as though searching for a comfortable spot. He gave the crow a sharp look and then nodded his head towards the far corner of the room.

"That's enough, move along," Sebastian said in a low, commanding voice.

Midnight, who had been eyeing Alice, shot Sebastian a fake Innocent look but, after a brief moment, flew off and settled somewhere as though making a dignified exit.

Alice, watching the exchange, couldn't help but smile. "Seems like Midnight isn't a fan of the food," she said with a lighthearted grin.

Sebastian, preparing to sit at the table next to her, smiled faintly. "No, he enjoys food. He just doesn't like being in the spotlight for too long."

Alice carefully adjusting her dress as though trying to appear at ease despite the formality of the setting. Sebastian sat across from her, and the delicious aroma of the dishes around them filled the air, but the atmosphere remained comfortable and familiar, as it often was between them.

The conversation, as always, shifted effortlessly between the casual and the profound, the light and the deep.

Alice leaned back slightly in her chair and, with a mischievous smile, began. "When I was little, Bread and soup were the only things we always ate, To the point that I thought it's the only thing in the world."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, amused by the vulnerability in her admission. As Sebastian delicately held the silver fork, his hand moved with smooth, deliberate grace. His fingers made light contact with the handle, maintaining a perfect balance between strength and gentleness. The fork gleamed under the candlelight, reflecting a soft glow that added to the effortless elegance he exuded.

As the fork neared the plate, it gently pierced a piece of roasted venison, the tines sinking into the meat with ease, as if the fork were caressing the food rather than cutting through it. The meat was perfectly cooked, with a lightly charred exterior that contrasted with its tender, juicy interior, releasing a rich, aromatic fragrance as it was cut.

Alice picked up a small fork and gently cut into the honey and almond cake. The knife glided effortlessly through the soft, moist layers, releasing a delicate sweetness. She took a bite, savoring the rich honey flavor that blended perfectly with the toasted almonds, the warm, comforting taste lingering on her palate. The texture was light yet satisfying, a perfect end to the meal.

Sebastian couldn't help but smile as he watched Alice start with the dessert. There was something endearing about her taking such care with the sweet treat, her face lighting up with delight at the first bite. Her innocent enthusiasm, caught him off guard in the best way. It was a charming contrast to the usual composed, calculated behavior he was accustomed to, and for a moment, he found himself genuinely amused by how cute she looked enjoying the pleasure of the cake.

Sebastian's gaze softened as he observed Alice. As she took a delicate bite of the honey and almond cake, the soft fullness of her cheeks became even more noticeable. Her face, framed by the gentle roundness of her cheeks, had an almost youthful, innocent charm. The way her cheeks puffed slightly as she chewed only added to the cuteness of the moment. Almost childlike moment made her all the more endearing.

Sebastian glanced at Midnight, who was perched in the corner like a silent critic, his eyes narrowing as if judging their every move. He returned his gaze to Alice, his smirk barely visible.

Sebastian's gaze lingered on Alice as she took another bite of the cake, her cheeks slightly puffed as she chewed with a quiet satisfaction. The way she seemed to savor every bite, as though the cake were a treasure, made her seem even more charming, like a young girl discovering the wonders of sweetness for the first time.

Her cheeks, soft and round, they gave her a youthful, almost innocent. As she brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her expression softened, and for a moment, the gravity of the room seemed to lift.

Sebastian, who was well-accustomed to maintaining an air of elegance and control, found himself strangely taken by this side of Alice, one that felt simpler, almost pure. He watched her with an odd mixture of fondness and amusement, his eyes momentarily betraying his usual detached demeanor.

Midnight, as always, seemed to be observing them from a distance. The crow's sharp eyes flicked between the two, silently judging with a disapproving tilt of its head. It was almost as though Midnight knew that the atmosphere had shifted, that something had changed in the air. But Sebastian, unfazed by the bird's scrutiny, shifted his focus back to Alice, who now seemed lost in the joy of her dessert.

"Are you enjoying it that much?" he asked, his voice low and calm. His lips curled in a playful smile as he observed her with keen interest.

Alice looked up, her cheeks still flushed from her last bite, a twinkle in her eye. "I can't help it," she replied with a small chuckle. "It's just so good~"

Sebastian's smile grew ever so slightly, watching her with a look that seemed to say he wasn't sure whether to be impressed by her genuine enjoyment or amused by her enthusiasm. "You seem to have an appreciation for the simple things," he commented, leaning back in his chair slightly.

Alice's grin widened at the unexpected compliment. "I can appreciate a good treat when I find one."

Sebastian's eyes twinkled in response, a flicker of something unreadable in his gaze. "And yet," he said softly, "you still find time to search for the grander mysteries, don't you?"

Alice paused, slightly caught off guard by his words. She set her fork down and met his gaze, the light from the candles flickering in her eyes. "Maybe," she replied with a small smile, "but sometimes, it's the little things that reveal the bigger picture."

Sebastian's gaze held hers for a moment longer, the flicker of amusement in his eyes giving way to something more contemplative. He then leaned forward, picking up his own fork and piercing another piece of venison. "Perhaps you're right," he said slowly, "but I think you're more than capable of understanding the deeper complexities of things."

Alice's heart skipped a beat at his words, and she quickly turned her attention back to her cake, attempting to mask the unexpected flutter of warmth she felt. She had learned long ago not to show vulnerability around him, even if it was something as small as a quickened heartbeat.

She picked up another bite of her cake, her lips curving into a playful grin as she looked at sebastian van morten.

Sebastian's smile shifted into a smirk as he glanced out the long windows. The sky, once clear, the first few drops of rain began tapping softly against the glass. Soon, the sound grew louder as the rain began to pour in steady sheets, a sharp contrast to the warmth inside.

"You can't leave in this weather," he said in a calm tone, his gaze lingering on the storm outside. "Looks like it's going to rain for a long time."

Alice, who had been about to take another bite of her dessert, froze at his words. She followed his gaze and saw the heavy downpour. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she realized the implication she was stuck here, in his castle, for who knew how long.

Her voice faltered as she set her fork down, a little embarrassed at the thought of being trapped here longer than she'd intended. "I... I suppose you're right," she said quietly, her gaze flickering between Sebastian and the rain, her discomfort barely hidden.

Sebastian's smirk deepened, sensing her sudden unease. "It seems the storm has other plans for you," he teased, his voice soft but filled with that unmistakable confidence of someone who knew exactly what was happening.

Alice shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her cheeks growing warmer with the thought of being stuck here with him, no escape, no way out. She hadn't expected this when she agreed to stay for dinner.

"I think I'll be a nuisance.." she muttered, a hint of awkwardness in her tone, her eyes briefly meeting his before she quickly looked away.

Sebastian noticed the subtle change in her expression and couldn't suppress the slight chuckle that escaped his lips. "I don't suppose so," he said, his voice smooth with amusement, but there was a softness in his gaze now. He leaned back in his chair, allowing the moment to hang between them, watching her reaction.

Alice, now feeling a bit self-conscious. The idea of being here and not in her home, especially with the rain trapping her inside, made her feel strangely vulnerable. She wasn't sure how to play it off without drawing more attention to her discomfort.

"Well..." She cleared her throat, trying to regain some composure. "I gusse i'll stay up then." Her voice was a little more controlled now, though the faint pink on her cheeks still betrayed her unease. She dared not look at him directly again, not wanting to let him see how unsettled she truly felt.

Sebastian watched her carefully, a small, knowing smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "maybe," he said, his tone gentle but still teasing. "Don't worry, you're in good company." His eyes twinkled with something unreadable, leaving her to wonder if he was as entertained by her discomfort as he was by the situation.

The room, warm and quiet and the steady sound of rain where the storm outside was the only thing keeping her from leaving.