The library's door clicked shut with a muted thud, sealing in the warm glow of the room and the low, murmurous voices of Zarius and Cherion inside.
Reiner stepped back, smoothing down the front of his crisp butler's coat with meticulous, practiced precision. He let out a quiet exhale, adjusting his posture as he turned toward the corridor.
Standing a few paces away, leaning his broad back against the cold stone wall with his arms crossed over his leather chest-piece, was Ezek. His eyes flicked toward Reiner the moment the door closed, his posture relaxing just a fraction.
"Who sent the letter?" Ezek asked, his deep voice carrying a low, gravelly quietness that barely traveled down the hallway.
Reiner didn't look directly at him. He adjusted the cuff of his glove, keeping his gaze fixed on the polished runner rug beneath his boots. "Apparently, the letter was from Derrick Avery."
