Lyra's POV
My fingers trembled as I pulled out my phone the second I stepped through the doorway. The corridor stretched endlessly before me, flanked by uniformed guards from the Valeska Estate positioned like chess pieces along the walls. Each one stood rigid, professional, their gazes fixed straight ahead.
I found Celeste's number and pressed call, holding the device against my ear while my heels echoed through the silence. One ring. Two rings.
A guard stationed near the adjacent entrance noticed my presence. He shifted slightly, his demeanor courteous yet watchful.
"Miss, do you need assistance?"
I gave a quick shake of my head, still waiting for the connection. "A gentleman passed through here recently. Middle-aged, no beard. Which way did he go?"
The guard inclined his head toward the left corridor. "That direction, miss. Just moments ago."
"Thank you."
