I knew he had returned before anyone informed me.
It was not because of noise or movement within the estate, but because of the way things settled. The usual rhythm resumed with a precision that only followed his presence, and that alone was enough to confirm it.
I did not wait to be called.
By the time I reached his study, the door was already open. I stepped inside without knocking.
Darius stood near the window, his back partially turned. He was not occupied with anything in particular, but his stillness made it clear that he had already processed whatever needed to be considered before I arrived.
"You're back," I said.
"Yes."
He turned to face me, his expression unchanged, as though the conversation we were about to have had already been decided.
I closed the door behind me and moved further in.
"What did he say?"
Darius did not pretend to misunderstand.
"It will proceed," he replied.
There was no delay in the answer, and that was enough.
