Chapter 51: Climbing without threads
The weight of the borrowed boots on Ruelle’s feet tugged at her steps, the oversized leather strange as she focused on walking steadily. It wasn’t until a gentle pressure on her arm that she noticed Ezekiel’s hand resting there lightly.
"Mr. Henley," Ruelle said softly, while pulling the mask from her face. She glanced down at the faint outline of his hand against her sleeve, her tone edged with polite warmth. "I think it’s alright now. There’s no one around to notice."
Ezekiel turned his gaze to her, pausing briefly before murmuring, "Of course."
He withdrew his hand slowly, his fingertips brushing her sleeve as though reluctant to part, lingering just a fraction too long. As they continued to walk, Ezekiel couldn’t help but stare at her. Something about her appearance reminded him of her scent that night he had hugged her, the hesitant warmth of her presence. The memory burned like a brand.
"They don’t suit you, you know," Ezekiel said casually, his voice breaking the quiet.
"What doesn’t?" Ruelle asked, her voice soft but curious.
"The boots," he said, his lips curving into an almost-smile. "You should leave them here. No one will fault you."
Ruelle glanced down at the oversized boots. They were awkward and heavy, a stark contrast to her delicate frame. Still, she shook her head lightly, her tone thoughtful. "I can’t. Leaving them behind would be rude when I need to return them to Lucian."
Ezekiel’s expression didn’t falter, but his eyes darkened, the shift so subtle it could have been imagined. "How selfless of him," he murmured, his tone low.
As they rounded a corner, and Ruelle’s gaze caught movement ahead. Kevin and Hailey stood at the far end of the corridor, their faces pale but relieved upon seeing her. Kevin met Ruelle’s eyes, his glance flicking briefly to Ezekiel before returning to her, a silent question lingering in his gaze. She gave him the faintest nod. Without a word, the pair disappeared from sight.
Ezekiel’s gaze followed hers. "Is everything alright?" he asked.