The days after Adrien’s arrival were a whirlwind of curiosity and tension in Arberine. The townsfolk speculated endlessly about the mysterious traveler who had captured Elara’s attention. Whispers about his connection to her paintings began to circulate, adding an air of mystery to his presence. For Elara, however, Adrien wasn’t just a curiosity—he was the embodiment of a connection she couldn’t yet explain.

Elara found herself drawn to Adrien, seeking his company more often. Their conversations, though sometimes halting, revealed glimpses of their shared sensitivity. Adrien had a way of listening, his dark eyes absorbing every word as though her thoughts mattered in ways they never had before.