Aire stepped into her room, and stopped immediately.
Madam was already inside.
She stood near the tall windows. Her silhouette cut sharply against the moonlight spilling through the sheer curtains. The room smelled faintly of herbs and polished wood.
Aire hesitated at the threshold, with one foot still in the corridor.
"Come in," Madam said lightly, without turning.
Aire swallowed and took a step forward.
That was when she noticed the other women.
They hovered around her bed, adjusting the sheets, folding the fabric, and smoothing the pillows with quiet efficiency.
They all looked pissed.
Aire's chest tightened at the realization. They might want to kill her for what happened to Madam.
Madam turned, clapping her hands once, sharp, commanding. "Leave. Everyone. Now."
The women froze for half a breath, then bowed at her and filed out without question. The door shut behind them with a heavy click.
Silence immediately fell i to the room.
