Chapter 36: An Unexpected Pairing
"Don't get ahead of yourself now."
Silas smiled as he stepped closer to Victoria, the corners of his lips curving in quiet amusement. He patted her shoulder with casual ease, though the look in his eyes carried a flicker of something warmer—more intentional.
"But you definitely are beautiful."
He added softly, leaning in just enough to whisper the words near her ear. His voice was low, edged with sincerity. A faint blush bloomed along the curve of Victoria's ear, trailing across her cheeks as she instinctively stepped back, her eyes widening in surprise. She wasn't prepared for that—not the closeness, and definitely not the sudden compliment.
"I can't decide if you're creepy or charming... or a mix of both."
Victoria stammered, her voice unsteady. Her smile twitched on her lips, wavering like she was caught off-guard by a chill that wasn't really there. She crossed her arms tightly around herself, half as a barrier, half out of reflex—like the compliment had peeled away a layer of her usual armor.
"But... thank you, I guess...?"
Her gaze dipped to the floor before darting back up, a mixture of suspicion and embarrassment simmering behind her crimson eyes.
"Weirdo..."