[ Corridor leading to Autumn's room ]
Velor and Kieran walked side by side.
Torchlight flickered in the winding corridor.The air smelled faintly of herbs and smoke, and far ahead, a single door stood ajar.
Velor paused just short of it.
Turning to Kieran, he lowered his voice, leaning in close. His hand rested on Kieran's back…camaraderie? Caution? It was anybody's guess!
"Just remember," he whispered, his lips barely moving, "we are still at Skarthheim."
His gaze lingered on Kieran's expressionless face for a beat longer before he gave a tight nod and turned on his heel.
The moment Velor's shadow vanished behind the corner, Kieran turned to the door.
It was unguarded…oddly so…and that made something in his gut twist. His fingers brushed the edge of the door, pushing it gently open. The hinges creaked softly.
And there she was.
His Autumn!!!
She had indeed moved.
