"Oh, Ronan. I forgot to take something. Can you look after Irene for a moment?" asked Arielle, making Ronan frown.
Irene wanted to get up, but Arielle stopped her. "Arielle, can I come with you?" she asked in a trembling voice.
"Sorry, Irene. I really forgot something. I'll be back as fast as lightning. You can sit down here first. I promise it won't be long," Arielle said with a smile, releasing Irene's hand from her wrist.
Both Ronan and Irene were silent in their places while watching Arielle disappear behind the door. An awkward silence enveloped the two of them again. Ronan felt awkward, and Irene felt scared. It was a perfect combination to make the room become quiet.
In the silence, there was only the crackling of fire and the tap of Ronan's index finger on the hard shell of the dragon egg beside him.