It occurred to Liera, just as she reached the heavy door led to her father's study, that she'd forgotten to breathe properly for a good few minutes. She moved quickly down the corridor, her footsteps loud in the silence, but it was the quick, frantic pulse in her chest that filled her ears. She paused only once, touching the brass handle that felt colder than it had any right to be. And then she turned it.
Inside, the air felt heavy, like too many people were pretending to be calm, but it was obvious none of them were. Her brothers were gathered near the window, Rheo leaning on the sill like he owned the sky outside, Varon tapping his fingers on the chair with Brion who looking as calm as ever, Gheo stiff as a post, and Marien herself perched near their father as though she might physically merge with the chair out of sheer sanctimony.
Liera stepped fully inside.
"You called for me?" she asked, keeping her voice steady, though she could feel something prickling beneath her ribs.
