The morning light did not reach the corridor outside Azure's quarters. The heavy oak doors remained shut, casting a long, cold shadow across the stone floorboards. Odesse walked with a slow, measured pace, the soft fabric of her gown rustling quietly against the stillness of the hall. Beside her, Cara kept step, her arms crossed defensively as she glanced at the row of silent rooms.
As they drew nearer to the center of the eastern wing, Odesse's footsteps slowed. She paused directly in front of the heavy, carved entrance to Azure's private bedchamber. Her silver eyes fixed on the wood, tracking the sharp, elegant lines of the family crest that had been mounted there.
Cara stopped a half-step ahead, turning back with a slight frown. "What's wrong?" she asked, her voice dropping to a cautious whisper.
Odesse didn't look away from the door. "I want to speak with Azure."
