The estate was still. Most of the lights in the east wing off, except for a thin line of light coming from under the study door. Hallway dim, lit only by small wall lamps at regular intervals. Carpet muffling footsteps. Air still.
Franz closed the front door quietly and did not turn on any lights. He placed his keys on the console table, folded his coat over his arm, and did not check his phone.
He walked toward the stairs, the carpet softening his steps. The second floor felt warmer than the coastal wind he had left only hours earlier. As he turned into the east wing, he noticed a faint light coming from under Arianne's study door.
He knocked once.
"Come in," she said.
Her voice flowing smoothly through the door. No surprises. No raised tone.
Franz opened the door and stepped inside. The study lamp cast a circle of light. Documents stacked neatly on the desk. One folder open in front of her.
She looked up when he came in, then lowered her gaze to finish reading.
