Elias made his way down the dimly lit corridors, his thoughts tangled in the unexpected turn of events. He still could not wrap his head around it. Cassius was… indulging him. Teasing him, yes, but also offering him something that felt dangerously close to kindness.
He sighed, adjusting his posture as he reached the main hall. The estate was quiet, save for the occasional distant murmur of servants finishing their duties.
It felt surreal to have the freedom to roam, to breathe without feeling like he was constantly under scrutiny.
Fifteen years.
It had taken him that long to reach a position where he was no longer just another nameless servant scurrying through the halls, careful not to draw attention.
And yet, despite that, he was still painfully aware of the hierarchy. No matter how Cassius treated him, Elias knew where he stood.
And yet…
He had never been offered something as frivolous as a trip to the flower district.
