After they both left, Ervin sat in his chair, his elbows resting on the armrests, fingers loosely intertwined. The faint crackle of the fireplace filled the quiet hall, throwing long, wavering shadows against the stone walls. His gaze was fixed on nothing in particular, but the weight in his eyes showed his mind was elsewhere sifting through worries, choices, and the uncertain days ahead.
Helly, standing near the doorway, watched him in silence for a moment. Her hands were clasped in front of her, the lamplight soft against her face.
She hesitated before speaking. "Sir, it is quite late now. It is time for you to sleep too. So should we leave?"
Ervin blinked, as if pulled back from a long way off, and turned his head toward her.
"Yes, it is okay. Let's go. We will talk about the rest tomorrow." His voice carried the faint rasp of fatigue.
