Darren's POV
Alexander propped himself against one of the large pillars that held the arch leading into the dining room. His eyes stayed shut, his arms crossed in front of him as he seemed to be in deep thought. He had set his drum of wine down, pushing it into my wine cooler for safekeeping. His leather bag remained on his back, far more important than the wine at the moment.
Maklev sat on the head of a couch, constantly grunting and stealing glances at me. I didn't pay much attention to him, throwing myself into my favourite chair.
Time ticked by, the clock near the ceiling making sure we all heard it. Seconds seemed to run for days as we waited in silence. Finally, Kristin's returning footsteps filled the hall.
"Is everything there?"
