Chapter 39

• Calhoun's eyes immediately snapped at attention towards Elena once she entered the living room. Seeing her clearly as it was bright in the morning, Calhoun thought her more beautiful than he had expected. Her journey, despite how tiring it was, didn't spoil her beauty, and now that she was well-rested, he felt honored to even look at her. He watched as she made her way to the seat the old man had pointed for her, with her two friends walking behind her and taking in everyone. Calhoun noticed that they were still on edge, but they hid it well. She sat next to the couch just right beside him, and her friends followed suit, sitting next to her on the same couch. She looked around, nervous, as she clearly wasn't used to the attention. And attention they were giving her.
• Calhoun had never seen hair as white as hers. He wondered who her family was and if they had any ancestors who had some kind of power that caused his descendants to have white hair. Her hair color wasn't something one saw every day. He dragged his eyes across her features, studying every ridge and edge, every color and hue, trying to imprint it into his memories. Her eyes were innocent yet spoke of age-old wisdom. She only talked when spoken to, yet she raised her chin with pride. He only noticed her being a bit free when she spoke to Forest. Calhoun felt the burning embers of jealousy starting to ignite in his chest, and he immediately quenched it before he ended up doing what he wasn't supposed to. He still couldn't get over the fact that he had fallen for a woman at a mere glance. He wondered what his father would say when he told him. He wasn't going to fight his feelings, no. He would embrace them and see where they lead. But first of all, he would study her more to know just what type of person she is.
• Breakfast finished heartily with the Old man volunteering to clean the dishes. He told Elena to wait for him in the sitting room till he was done so that they could start their training. Calhoun had never seen the old man as happy as he was when he said that since he started living with him. Once the old man left for the kitchen, Calhoun turned his attention to Elena. She was facing her lap as her friends silently conversed with each other. He decided that if he wanted to get to know her better, he might as well start it immediately.