What caught Violet's attention most, however, was a small, framed photo on the table, showing a younger Alaric, his white hair less wild but his eyes just as sharp. He looked really cute and it unknowingly brought a smile to her lips.
She continued looking around, acutely aware of the faint hum in the air, a tangible energy that made her hair stand on end. In this place, the air felt alive, as if charged with the unmistakable presence of lightning.
"Well," Alaric asked, "what do you think?"
Violet hesitated, unsure how to put her amazement into words. "It's… impressive. You… built all this?"
"Most of it," Alaric replied, walking over to the workbench to pick up one of the papers without a purpose.
He was shy, Violet noticed but didn't say a word. It was kind of cute to be honest. Dealing with Asher's unsettling energy all day was tiring, hence being with Alaric's less intimidating energy made it breathable.