Julian's lips curved slowly into a wide smile.
He had been waiting for that knock.
Rising from the bed, he ran a hand through his hair before walking toward the door. The headache had not completely vanished, but it had subsided enough to be manageable.
He opened the door.
Kraven stood in the corridor.
From a distance—particularly in poor lighting—an observer might have assumed the nobleman had simply come to continue their earlier conversation.
But something about him was wrong.
His eyes were open, directed toward Julian's face.
Yet they were not seeing it.
They were not seeing anything.
Only the whites were visible.
"Come in," Julian said quietly.
Kraven stepped inside.
His movements were stiff and mechanical, like a puppet obeying invisible strings. He crossed the room without hesitation and sat on the bed, his gaze lowering to the floor.
Julian closed the door behind him.
For a moment he simply stood there, observing the man in silence.
