Are you going to look for Elder Thorin?”

Tara, dressed in a professional suit that looked immaculate on her, saw that I was waiting for the elevator but did not step in. Her question pulled me out of my daze, and I came to my senses.

I hurriedly came up with a reason not to step foot on that elevator. “I’m sorry, I forgot something.”

Spinning on my heel, I turned around and left, not daring to look at the two of them.

Watching her run away, Tara couldn’t help but turn to look at ...