Page 45 of Gift from the Tree

“That was amazing. I didn’t even know we could do that. Is it like that with everyone’s element?” I ask, bouncing on my feet. That’s the coolest thing I’ve done so far, and I felt completely in control, even though I didn’t really do much. My element took the lead, but still.

Draken rubs the back of his neck, face tinted the slightest shade of pink, not answering me.

“Let me show you to your room so you can see the changes we made. And you’ll need to learn the layout so you can come and go as you please around the house,” Corentin cuts in.

What did he mean changes they made?

“The room was perfect. What did you do?” I didn’t mean to have so much panic in my voice, but I really hope he didn’t mess with the mini library or the bathroom.

“Nothing major. The layout’s still the same, mostly. Come,” he orders, walking away before I can pepper him with questions. Turning to look at Draken, he’s moved a few steps away with his hands in his pockets.

“Are you coming?” I ask hopefully. I’ve never been alone with Corentin and even though we haven’t argued at all today, I’m not convinced we can both keep our attitudes in check.

“Not right now. There’s something I need to go do. I’ll give you another tour of the house when I get back and give you some tips on how not to get lost.” He gives me a small smile, nothing like the one that usually causes me to melt like putty in his hands.

“Okay then,” I reply concernedly.

What just happened? Did I overstep with my air?

He walks away without giving me the opportunity to ask or apologize, so I watch him for a few seconds before turning to look for Corentin, but he’s only about ten feet away, watching me.

“Did I do something wrong?” I ask him, not stepping toward him yet.

“No.”

“Then why was he acting like that just now?” I cross my arms over my chest, refusing to start walking till he explains what just happened.

“He has things he needs to take care of. Come on.” Corentin turns away, letting me know this conversation is over.

I let out an irritated huff before jogging a little to catch up with him. Neither of us attempts to make conversation, but unlike with Draken where the silence was comfortable, this silence has my hackles rising. I don’t know why it always has to be a push and pull between the two of us, but I guess our headstrong natures are just going to clash.

He doesn’t give any directions as we begin making our way through the mansion to my room, but unlike the other times, I’m not distracted by conversation like I’d be if it were Gaster or Draken, so I’m able to pay a little more attention to where we’re going.

We enter through a door that leads us into a living room then up a set of stairs, we make a right, then left, then another right that leads us down a huge hallway that has only two doors, and Corentin stops in front of the door that’s on the right side of the hall.

Okay, so my room, I guess.

He stands to the side and waits for me to approach him before he turns the handle and pushes the door wide, letting me walk in first. As soon as I step in, I can pick out the differences. The bed is still the same, absolutely massive for just one person, but the room as a whole is way more personal than it was before. The formal stuffiness is gone and replaced with an airy, comforting feel. The dark plum-colored wall was repainted with a light lilac purple, and the crème-colored walls are now light gray. Beautiful purple flowers, different house plants, and greenery decorate the room, giving it a natural feel.

How the hell did they add a fireplace? And how is it burning but it’s not hot in here?

My eyes swing to the bookshelves, worried that he took them away, but my jaw drops as I take in the view in front of me. Somehow, they split the wall-length bookshelf into two. The part now separating them is a built-in reading nook, with a daybed, looking out over the forest behind the mansion. The view looks almost the same as what you see in the breakfast room, which means I must be on the same side of the house.

The desk is still in the same corner, with a bouquet of flowers, a lamp, a notepad, and pens on it, and a huge, comfy-looking computer chair sits behind it.

“When did you all have time to do this?” I look at Corentin, completely shocked and impressed.

“Do you like it?” he asks instead.

“I love it. It’s amazing,” I tell him honestly. It’s the most beautiful room I’ve ever seen.

I turn on my heels, rushing to the bathroom to make sure it hasn’t been changed. When I swing the door open, I sigh in relief to see it’s exactly how it was the last time I was in here. I step out of the bathroom and catch Corentin running his hand over his face. I’m pretty sure he’s hiding a smile or a laugh from me.

“I’m very happy that the bathroom is still the same. It’s perfect just the way it is,” I say earnestly. I love that little oasis.

“You haven’t seen the closet,” he says in a bored, rushed tone that almost pisses me off, but I don’t allow it to ruin my mood. I hurry over to the closet and suck in a breath when I find it completely full.

I take a stumbling step in and run my hands over the clothes hanging on the ebony rods closest to me. It’s double the wardrobe I had back at the estate, and it looks like they’re sectioned out by seasons, casual wear, formal wear, workout—I mean, the full works. I’m pretty sure any outfit I could ever need is in here.

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