I barely paused to acknowledge Malaki's lazy grin. My expression remained cool and unyielding, entirely unmoved by his attempt at levity. The weight of the papers in my hand felt like a loaded weapon, and I had absolutely no patience left for his games.
"Not now, Malaki. I have something far more important to attend to."
My tone was flat, clipped, leaving absolutely no room for his usual teasing. I brushed past him without breaking stride, the roll of frantic parchments clutched tight against my chest like a shield. My mind was already fixed on one destination, the rhythm of my hurried footsteps echoing sharply against the stone walls. I didn't look back to see his reaction or whether his smirk had faded.
My feet carried me swiftly through the winding, torch-lit corridors until I finally reached the heavy, ornate double doors of the council chamber. They stood slightly ajar, a sliver of warm light cutting across the dark floorboards.
