CHAPTER - 199

  Narrator: Dav was momentarily taken aback.

  Then he took a deep breath, as if to recover from the unexpected presence.

  Only then did he truly notice Dr. Sofia Manfredi standing there, looking at him with her usual gentle smile.

  "You gave me a fright.."

  he said, placing a hand on his chest and looking at her with slightly widened eyes.

  "When did you arrive? I didn't hear the door open."

  Sofia tilted her head slightly, curious.

  Her gaze was clear, filled with the genuine kindness that was her hallmark.

  "Is it possible that when you focus on something, you end up shutting out all other senses?"

  she asked, with an almost amused tone.

  "The door was open.

  I knocked, even called your name.. but nothing."

  She made a small gesture with her hand, as if to say "that's how it went" and continued to look at him with that slightly inquisitive expression, as if trying to read him.

  Dav scratched the back of his neck, baffled by himself, and lowered his gaze.

  "I suppose I got too caught up in the call to notice your presence.."

  he muttered. Then he looked up at her again, offering a tired smile.

  "Anyway.. what brings you here?"

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  Sofia took a step closer, the wind gently moving her hair, and her subtle lipstick seemed to reflect the light in a discreet yet elegant way.

  She looked at him with a warm, affectionate expression that immediately made him feel a bit more at ease.

  "I heard about your return and wanted to greet you,"

  she said calmly.

  "I didn't find you outside.. only Selene.

  Welcome back, professor."

  That smile and calm tone were enough to melt the tension.

  Dav slightly bowed his head in gratitude, then slowly re-entered the room.

  He let himself fall onto the bed with a long sigh, sinking his head into the cool pillow.

  "I heard you talking about something regarding mana and some limits,"

  Sofia resumed, approaching.

  "I'm curious."

  "It's about my sister,"

  Dav said, more calmly, as he settled more comfortably among the fragrant sheets.

  "We have some training planned today, but every time she uses her ability, her mana depletes quickly.

  And we can't do much.. It's really stressful."

  Sofia sat gently on the edge of the bed, near his legs.

  She watched him discreetly, without invading his space, but present.

  "Would you mind if I joined as well?"

  she asked in a serious yet gentle tone.

  "I have something in mind that might help.. if you don't mind, of course."

  Dav turned slightly toward her, considering the proposal, then nodded.

  "Come to the arena after lunch.

  Actually, no.. come directly to lunch with me in two hours, so we can go together afterward."

  Sofia raised her eyebrows slightly, surprised by the direct invitation.

  Then her gaze became more serious.

  "I usually have lunch with Ekaterina.

  I don't want to leave her alone.

  You've already sensed her character.. very closed off with others."

  Dav scratched his ear with a playful air.

  "So what's the problem? Bring her along, no?"

  Sofia stared at him for a moment.

  Then she laughed softly, bringing her hand gracefully to her mouth.

  An elegant, measured laugh, befitting a true lady.

  "Alright,"

  she finally said, with a sincere smile.

  "I can't promise anything, though.

  She's very shy and reserved.. but maybe, if she sees you, she'll feel a bit more at ease."

  Dav made an amused grimace and turned onto his stomach, burying his head back into the pillow.

  His voice became lower, almost a whisper.

  "Sofia.. these scars on my face..

  There's no cure, is there?"

  For a few seconds, the room fell silent.

  Sofia lowered her gaze, intertwining her hands with a nervous gesture.

  She searched for the right words, those that wouldn't hurt but also wouldn't give false hope.

  "There's always a cure for everything,"

  she finally replied, in a calm tone.

  Then she looked up at him and smiled slightly.

  "And anyway.. men with scars are virile.

  They have their own kind of beauty, in my opinion."

  Dav chuckled softly, his face still hidden in the pillow.

  His voice was muffled but sincere.

  "Thanks, Sofia.

  It's nice to hear."

  END OF CHAPTER - 199