"I will be at the base," Azazel said, his tone steady despite the tension beneath it.
Denovan gave a short nod, his expression unreadable.
Later that evening, the mansion felt unusually still.
Julie sat in the parlour with Lisa and Denovan, her hands resting quietly in her lap.
The silence in the room wasn't ordinary it was heavy, pressing down on everything.
Even the maids moved softly, as if afraid that any sudden sound might shatter what little calm remained.
"I'll make some tea for us," Julie said gently, rising to her feet.
Her voice was soft, but it carried just enough to break the silence.
Lisa looked at her and forced a small, warm smile. "Of course, my dear. We'll enjoy it together."
Julie returned a faint smile and turned toward the kitchen.
"I'll join you shortly," Lisa added.
Julie nodded before walking away, her steps light but slightly slower than usual.
The moment she disappeared from sight, Lisa's expression dropped.
