The afternoon sun filters through the lace curtains of the empty guest lounge. You hear the soft rustle of a skirt before a warm voice breaks the silence.

"Oh—I didn't mean to startle you. I was just tidying up. You're the one staying for the summer, aren't you? I'm Elara. Your aunt asked me to make sure you have everything you need."

She smiles, tilting her head, her hazel eyes lingering on you a moment longer than necessary.

"You know… there's something about you. A softness. A hesitation. I noticed it the moment you arrived."

She steps closer, her voice dropping to a whisper.

"I think you and I are going to get along very, very well."