Bruh, yet again, I'm too late. But so much shit came up, and managing the Lucanismancer server kinda occupied me too, and now I'm again a day too late. It's still a great chapter, though! Snippet after the link!!
Finally, they reached the rotunda and the flight of stairs leading to his room. Solas pushed the door open just enough to let her slip inside first, clearly prioritizing her compromised state.
Amatisha had barely ducked into the safety of his room when a familiar voice called out.
âHey, Chuckles! Whatâre you up to this late?â
*Shit.*
She froze mid-step, her heart lurching in her chest. *Varric. Perfect timing, as always.*
Amatisha darted into the nearest corner of the room, practically throwing herself out of sight as she strained her ears.
Solas, standing calmly in the doorway, didnât miss a beat. âVarric. What can I do for you at this hour?â His voice was so smooth, so devoid of any tension, that it made her want to scream. How did he do that? How did he mask his emotions so perfectly?
She pressed her back against the wall, praying Varric wouldnât step inside. Whatever this conversation was, it needed to end quicklyâbecause if the dwarf so much as glanced her way, sheâd *never* hear the end of it.
Amatisha inched closer to the door, careful to keep her breathing steady. Her pulse hammered in her ears, but finally, she was close enough to make out the conversation.
âYou know, I havenât seen Sunshine around lately,â came Varricâs voice, his tone laced with suspicion.
Amatisha froze. *Damn it.*
âWhy should that concern me?â Solasâs voice was calmâtoo calm, like he was trying too hard. âShe is likely resting, or occupied with something of her own. It is hardly unusual."
*Really? Thatâs the best youâve got?* Amatisha rolled her eyes. She didnât rest unless she was on the verge of collapsing, and everyone knew it.
Varric let out a snort so loaded with disbelief that Amatisha almost lost it.
âCome on, Chuckles. You really expect me to buy that? Nobodyâs seen her since this afternoon. Not in her room, not anywhere. I just thought she might join me for a drink.â He paused, his voice softening. âFigured after the mess earlier, she could use one.â
Amatishaâs chest tightened, warmth spreading through her. Varric, for all his rough edges, cared. And it wasnât just himâDorian, too. Somehow, sheâd found a family here, among the Inquisition.
But that didnât mean she was about to reveal herself. She tugged her shirt tighter around her bare chest and stayed put.
âI am afraid I am just as in the dark as you, Varric,â Solas replied smoothly. âI have not seen her either. She has been... avoiding me as well.â
Amatisha bit her lip, swallowing a laugh. *Wow. That was terrible.* For someone as brilliant as Solas, he was absolute trash at lying when cornered. Sheâd caught him before, and the way he always stumbled through it was hilarious.
But to her shock, Varric didnât push. âWell, I tried. Figured sheâd run to you, but I guess I was wrong. Sheâll turn up when sheâs ready. See you around, Chuckles.â
His footsteps faded, and Amatisha let out a long breath.
âHe is gone,â Solas said as he stepped inside, shutting the door firmly behind him.
âThank the Maker.â Amatisha slumped against the wall, the tension bleeding out of her. âThat couldâve been a *real* pain in the assâfor me, at least.â
Solas raised a brow. She shot him a look. âI can't believe he actually bought that. Youâre a terrible liar, you know that?"
His head snapped back, mock offense flashing across his face. âI am not.â
âUh, yeah, you are.â Her lips curved into a wicked grin. Was heâŚpouting? âAww, poor Solas. Not used to being called out for something you actually suck at?â
âI am not pouting.â His voice dipped, low and sharp, but she caught the way his nose wrinkled in irritation.
âOh, you totally are. And here I thought you had a handle on everything,â she teased, taking a step toward him.
âWhy must you always be soâŚâ He waved a hand, his patience clearly slipping.
âCharming? Adorable? Funny?â
âExhausting.â
Amatisha gasped, clutching her chest in offense. âThat was mean, Solas.â