Chapter 249
The door closed behind us with a soft click.
My mother was in the kitchen, her back to us, stirring something on the stove. The smell of ginger and garlic filled the air. She didn't turn around when we entered.
"You're back early," she said, her voice carefully neutral. "How was the florist and the cake tasting?"
Lilith and I exchanged a glance.
"It was... eventful," I said. "I'll tell you about it later."
My mother's hand paused on the spoon. Then she resumed stirring.
"Your father is in his study," she said quietly. "He's been there all morning."
I nodded, though she couldn't see me. "I need to talk to him."
***
I found Father in his study room.
The door was closed, but not locked. I knocked once, softly. No answer. I knocked again.
"Father? It's me."
Still nothing.
I pushed the door open.
