Chapter 423: The Breaking of the Storm
Lyria's POV
I made my way through the palace upon descending from the carriage, following the same path by which I had come. The servants' passage yet reeked of horse dung, and I kept my sleeve pressed to my nose until I emerged into the cleaner air of the proper corridors.
I did not speak.
Not when I perceived the two figures who had followed me before, falling once more into step behind me. Not when they kept their distance, as though they understood I had greater need of silence than of their company.
I walked without pause until I reached my chamber doors. Phineas opened the door at once, without a word, and I entered. He closed it immediately, and I rested my forehead against the wood.
Zephyr approached me directly, meowing softly as he wove between my ankles. I gathered him into my arms without a word and buried my face in his fur. He did not protest, but settled against me, purring quietly, as though offering what comfort he could.
