By morning, I had already moved past it.
The situation hadn't changed, but there was no reason to remain where I had been the night before. If it was going to happen, then it would be handled properly from the start.
I didn't wait to be called.
The first instructions were given before the estate fully settled into the day.
"Restrict access to the west corridor after dusk," I said. "No exceptions without direct approval."
The attendant inclined his head. "Understood, my lord."
"And adjust the rotation. No one stays assigned to the same section long enough to become predictable."
"Yes, my lord."
I dismissed him with a glance and continued down the corridor.
None of it stood out on its own. That was intentional. Each change fit within the normal structure of the estate, but together they removed the kind of gaps that invited interference.
Elliot joined me without announcement, falling into step beside me.
"You started early," he said.
"It needed to be done."
