Yet the next instant, a pair of large hands enveloped Eileen's wrist, the icy chill startling her.

The mask let out a soft snap, springing back onto Rafael's face.

Eileen yanked her hand back, regarding Rafael with a mix of anxiety and unease.

"Were you asleep?"

"No." Rafael straightened up, creating a distance between them.

Despite his nonchalant demeanor, Eileen detected something amiss.

"Then how did you know someone was approaching?"

Rafael's eyes, visible through the mask, flicked towards Eileen with a swift intensity.

Eileen carried a faint, subtle scent.

It was noticeable as soon as she drew near.

At first, he thought it a trick of his longing for...