The Calm Before the Meeting

Alaric walked through the grand hallways of his mansion, the soft evening light filtering in through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the floor. The time spent with Evelyn had left him feeling unusually light, a sense of calm washing over him. His mind was clearer now, and for the first time in a while, he felt somewhat at peace. The constant weight on his shoulders had lifted, if only slightly, as if Evelyn's presence had granted him a temporary reprieve from the chaos surrounding him.

As he entered his room, the familiar surroundings welcomed him. The dark wooden furniture, the heavy drapes, and the subdued lighting created an atmosphere of quiet solitude. Alaric walked over to the large window overlooking the sprawling estate and gazed out into the distance, his mind briefly wandering to the events of the day.