Author's POV
A cold, unfamiliar pang of fear shot through Hugo's chest as he stared into Eleanor's eyes. It wasn't just anger he saw there. It was a promise of utter annihilation, a depth of resolve that seemed to warp the very air around her.
He couldn't believe it. This… vessel… this stray they'd dragged in from the gutter, was looking at him as if she were the predator and he were prey.
His body betrayed him, taking an automatic step backward on the gravel path.
Then, as suddenly as it had appeared, the terrifying aura around her vanished. Her expression smoothed back into a mask of cold disdain. "This tour is over," she stated flatly.
Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked back toward the house, leaving him standing alone among the enchanted flowers.
