Unexpected [ II ]

"So... what is it you came here to talk about?"

Cold sweat trickled down my back.

Was this about the auction?

I'd thought that was behind us and she couldn't be sure I was the one who outbid her.

No way, right?

Also, from what I remembered of her character in the game, Aveline wasn't petty enough to hold a grudge over something so trivial. Nervously, I sipped my coffee, the bitter warmth failing to steady my racing thoughts.

Aveline set her cup down with a faint clink, her movements precise. She folded her hands in her lap, crimson eyes pinning me in place like a specimen under glass.

Once again, uncomfortable silence stretched between us.

"I've been watching you."

She said at last.

"Wha-"

I nearly choked.

'Watching me?'

"Uh… watching me?"

I croaked, coughing un-elegantly into my hand.

Aveline nodded once with a slight tilt of her head.