Boundaries and Realizations

The fragrant aroma of her mushroom risotto hit her senses, but it felt like a blur, her mind still spinning from what Cedric had just said. She forced herself to focus, reminding herself not to let this throw her off balance.

Cedric, however, seemed completely unaffected. He picked up his steak and took a slow, deliberate bite, savoring it as if nothing unusual had just been said. He chewed thoughtfully, almost as if he hadn't just dropped a bomb on their conversation. 

Delphinia couldn't help but notice how effortless it was for him, how he seemed so… unfazed. How is he doing this? she thought, staring at him for a moment before tearing her gaze away. He was still chewing, looking at the steak like it was the most important thing in the world. He didn't even flinch when he'd just told her something that could have rocked her. No apology, no explanation—just a cool, calm enjoyment of his food.