Larksong Grotto bitter sweat and circumstance

It’s a firm no from him. That made her scowl. She’d never been on the receiving end of stubbornness, but it’s already at the top of the list of things she hates.

Marble tried pointing again—she could be stubborn too— but it’s no use. The man was dead set on staying here, and nothing would change his mind. She’d wave the white flag this time.

And just to rub it in her face, he gave her an invitation to come along. How dense! Did he not understand that she wanted to be alone? The nerve. She glanced back at the mountain, a place she definitely didn’t want to go back to right now, then back at the stranger. She gave a reluctant nod. Walking around with him would be nothing but annoying, but she was determined to continue examining this place the best she could.