ALDRIC
I needed to see that room.
I pushed off the desk and crossed the room in four strides. My hand closed around the door handle and I yanked it open. The hallway was empty. Good. I didn't need anyone else stopping me right now. I didn't need more questions or more wounded looks or more people trying to figure out what was wrong with me.
I walked fast. My footsteps echoed down the corridor and I didn't care. Let them hear me. Let them wonder where I was going and why I was moving like this.
The guest wing was at the far end of the second floor. I took the stairs two at a time and turned left at the landing. The carpet muffled my steps here but I could still hear my own breathing.
It was sharp. Too fast.
I forced myself to slow down. I forced myself to look calm even though no one was watching.
