The hidden chamber remained painfully quiet after Adele nodded.
Torak still stood near the far wall with his face turned slightly away from her. He physically could not bear seeing what he had done to her expression.
Adele remained near the hidden doorway.
The hood covered part of her face again now, but not enough. Definitely not enough to hide the humiliation burning beneath her skin.
He could see that she looked wounded.
The lantern light flickered softly across the chamber walls while silence stretched heavily between them.
Adele waited.
Torak did not move.
Finally, her voice cut through the room quietly. "Aren't you walking me back," she asked softly, "as you threatened?"
Torak shut his eyes briefly. The softness in her voice sounded worse than anger.
He dragged one hand slowly down his face before finally lowering himself into the nearest chair instead.
Adele frowned faintly.
