My, my....youngsters these days

"My, my… youngsters these days…"

A shiver ran down Cedric's spine, sharp and immediate. That voice—he knew it all too well.

"Ah..."

Elara reacted just the same, her breath hitching, her body tensing instinctively.

Both of them snapped their gazes to the window.

There, perched casually on the sill, leaning against the wooden frame with a knowing smile, was a woman clad in deep indigo robes. A pointy wizard's hat sat atop her head, the brim casting a faint shadow over her piercing, unreadable eyes.

Elara's heartbeat quickened, her throat tightening.

"Master?"

The woman smirked, tilting her head slightly, her hat shifting just enough to reveal more of her face.

"Well, well," she mused, her gaze flickering between the two of them. "What a fiery little spat. I do hope I'm not interrupting something… personal?"