Auriel had been sitting on the edge of the grand bed, her hands folded neatly in her lap as she tried to push down the sense of unease that had crept into her since Carol left. The silence of the room, once soothing, now felt oppressive.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden knock at the door. The sound was sharp, precise, and oddly deliberate, making her body tense.
She stood, smoothing her robes and moving cautiously toward the door. Her hand hesitated on the handle for a moment before she opened it, just enough to peek through.
To her surprise, standing on the other side was none other than Duchess Amara.
"Duchess, is something the matter?"
Auriel said, her tone measured.
Amara didn't answer immediately. Instead, she smiled—a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes—and without waiting for an invitation, she stepped forward, pushing the door open wider as she crossed the threshold.
