Annis instinctively glanced at the wall clock.
The hour hand had quietly pointed to 11.
Eleven at night.
Reason finally returned, and she realized she might have misunderstood the letter.
That goblin had left an address in the letter, but he probably hadn't invited her over tonight.
All dressed up and showing up at his door in the dead of night, she had not only come for nothing, but also made things rather awkward in front of his companion.
Though she still desperately wanted to know what that guy was thinking, she said, "It's too late. I should head back."
Annis placed the bag of cookies in her hand on the table, then took out a check she had prepared long ago from her pouch.
"This is for him and Bruce. Please tell him when he gets back."
With that, she turned and headed for the door.
"I'll walk you out." Zoya followed after her. "It's too late. It isn't safe for you to be alone."
"No..." Annis instinctively wanted to refuse her concern, but seemed to think of something. "All right."
The two left 46 Sea Breeze Street, one after the other.
They walked down the slope of Sea Breeze Street. The cool night breeze stirred Annis's fiery red hair, scattering the stuffiness and awkwardness that had filled the house.
As they neared the end of the street, she suddenly stopped, turned around, and looked earnestly at Zoya behind her.
She dropped her earlier airs, her gaze open and sincere.
"This is far enough. You don't need to walk me any farther. My carriage is parked on the next street over."
Before Zoya could speak, Annis fixed her eyes on those violet irises and continued, "You like him very much too, don't you?"
Zoya frowned slightly. Her lips moved,