Tok.
Tok.
Tok.
The sound broke the stillness of the room with deliberate restraint.
Noel turned toward the door, half expecting it to open without waiting for an answer. That was how it used to be. Orders entered first, explanations later.
Instead, a voice came from the other side.
"May I come in?"
It was deep, steady. Familiar.
Noel stilled.
That had never happened before.
He looked at the door for a moment longer than necessary, absorbing the difference. Permission requested. Not assumed.
"You may," he replied.
The handle turned slowly. The door opened without haste.
Albrecht Thorne stepped inside.
