Just as she was about to reach the door, a soft knock sounded against the heavy wooden door before it opened without waiting for a response.
Celeste stepped inside with quiet, measured steps.
The office felt smaller when she entered, though she was barely over five feet tall. There was something about her presence, cold, contained, refined, that shifted the air in any room she walked into.
"Oh, hey, Celeste!" Liora greeted brightly, as if they were meeting in a café rather than in an office.
Celeste gave a small hum in acknowledgment. It was neither warm nor rude.
Liora quickly began explaining what had happened with Elion earlier that day. She described the public accusation, the dramatic sobbing, the trip to the infirmary, and the truth that had unraveled under Nurse Beatrice's examination.
Celeste listened in silence.
Her posture did not change. Her expression did not crack.
