Nikolai's expression remained impassive as he approached Alice, his footsteps deliberate and purposeful. Without a word, he reached out and firmly grasped her phone, his movements swift and decisive. There was no room for negotiation or debate in his actions. He held the device out of Alice's reach, his gaze meeting hers with a steely resolve. In that moment, his message was clear: it was time to set aside distractions and focus on the task at hand. "Might as well start learning then." With a subtle nod towards the shelves of board games, Nikolai conveyed his expectations. There was no need for further explanation or discussion. It was time for Alice to adapt to their current situation, whether she liked it or not, and scrolling on TikTok wasn't part of that situation. Nikolai moved to the small kitchenette area of the cabin, his steps measured and precise. He opened the fridge and retrieved a pitcher of water and a carton of juice, setting them on the counter with deliberate care. Turning to Alice, who was still lounging on the sofa, he raised an eyebrow slightly, his expression unreadable. "Water or juice?" he asked, his tone flat and matter-of-fact, betraying no hint of amusement or condescension. The implication was clear. By offering her the choice of water or juice, he was subtly treating her like a child, a not-so-subtle reminder of the power dynamics at play. Nikolai poured himself a measure of whiskey, the clink of the glass against the bottle echoing in the quiet cabin as he waited for her response.
