Eryx smirked, stepped back, and motioned for Kharis to follow me into the study. I shot him a glare, trying to wave him off, but he only tapped his wrist in silent insistence. Fine. I ignored him and slipped into the study, pausing in a narrow hallway just off the guarded corridor.
The small passage was dim, lined with an ornate dark cabinet that loomed against the wall, its surface crowded with dust and shadows. A wrought iron candelabrum perched atop it, its candles burned low, wax pooling like frozen tears. From here, I could just make out the murmur of voices beyond the door.
"I don't understand why I must go," Deyanira's voice rang out, highhanded and imperious.
"You know why," Alaric replied civilly. I peeked through the slightly ajar door, noting my brother was seated at his desk as Deyanira stood before him.
"I'm needed here. You've seen how the nobles are reacting to the attack, and the Southern Weres-"