Morgana hadn't even finished saying "Nothing" when a thud echoed down the corridor ahead of them—not a real impact, but the heavy sound of boots running in formation.
Damon stopped automatically.
Morgana did too.
Three guards turned the corner at the same time, almost bumping into each other in their haste. The first one raised his hand, signaling for Damon and Morgana to back away.
"You two! Stop right there!"
The voice wasn't rude, but it had that typical authority of someone who had received direct instructions from the duke and was inwardly panicking.
Morgana raised an eyebrow.
Damon remained absolutely still—neutral, docile. Perfect.
The guards quickly approached and formed a barrier in front of them. All armed. All sweating. All clearly… too nervous to think clearly.
One of them spoke quickly:
"No one leaves these corridors. Direct order. We still have a thief inside the mansion."
Morgana exhaled, deeply offended.
