She actually cared

Anna's heart raced as she backed herself against the wall, her wide eyes darting between Alexander and the empty space beside her. If there had been a trapdoor or opening behind her, she might have gladly fallen into it just to escape his intense gaze.

"Go and bathe," Alexander said, his tone firm but not unkind. "I'll wait here for you."

The command hung in the air, and Anna froze for a moment, unsure whether he meant it as a genuine suggestion or some ominous test of her obedience. But then, realizing he was watching her expectantly, she made the only logical decision.

She bolted.

And not just a regular walk-or-run kind of bolting. She flew into the bathroom like her life depended on it, slamming the door so hard it echoed through the room. Inside, she leaned against the door, panting like she had just run a marathon.