The palace had quieted.
Not peacefully.
Cautiously.
As if the walls themselves were listening.
Sebastian carried Aliena through the long corridors without slowing, his steps steady despite the tremors that still faintly pulsed through the stone beneath them.
Servants flattened themselves against walls as he passed.
No one spoke.
No one dared.
Behind them, Asher walked in silence.
For once, he did not challenge.
Did not provoke.
When they reached Aliena's chamber doors, Sebastian pushed them open with his shoulder.
The room was dim, lit only by the glow of moonlight spilling through tall windows.
He walked inside.
Asher stopped at the doorway.
"I'll return in the morning," he said quietly.
Sebastian did not turn around.
"You'll be given quarters in the east wing."
Asher lifted a brow slightly.
"You trust me inside the palace?"
"No," Sebastian replied flatly.
A pause.
"But I prefer you where I can see you."
Asher almost smiled.
"Fair."
