The room was quiet in a way that pressed against the ears.
Kazami and Olivia stood side by side, straight-backed and alert, facing the single chair at the far end of the room. It was not a throne, but the way it was placed, slightly elevated, with a wide desk before it, made it feel like one.
Judith Harrington sat there calmly.
Her posture was relaxed, one leg crossed over the other, fingers resting lightly on the armrest. She did not look rushed, nor threatened, nor curious. She looked like someone who already knew the outcome of this meeting.
In front of her chair, on simple metal stools, sat Nina and Kyouka.
Their hands were cuffed in front of them.
The restraints were not tight, but they were unmistakable. A reminder of where they stood.
