When Iori approached him silently, she did not speak. Instead, she gently grasped his hand and guided him away from the bustling main floor toward a secluded, ornate corridor leading to the private wing. The loud clatter and lively chatter from the main hall gradually faded as the heavy wooden door sealed behind them, muffling the sounds outside. Distant moans intertwined with the tinkling of crystal glasses and the soft rustle of silk garments slipping to the polished marble floor.
The corridor's air felt cooler and loaded with a hush that dampened any echoes. Thick magical wards inscribed with intricate symbols lined the walls, effectively blocking out all sound and preventing prying eyes from observing inside. Each of her measured steps resonated softly against the gleaming black marble tiles.
