Kael
The evening air carried a chill that had nothing to do with temperature.
I stood in the now empty hall, leaning against one of the pillars with my arms crossed as Rowan entered with that same troubled expression he'd worn throughout the entire meeting.
He closed the doors behind him with a soft click, then turned to face me. For a moment, neither of us spoke. The silence stretched between us, heavy with unspoken questions.
We weren't close. Never had been.
Our interactions over the years had been cordial at best, limited to the necessary diplomatic exchanges that came with our positions.
I had expected resistance when I had requested this private conversation. But the fact that he agreed immediately set my instincts on edge for some reason.
In fact, he'd seemed almost eager.
"Hello, Kael." He smiled, making his way to one of the seats and occupying it. His posture was deceptively casual as he faced me.
"Thank you for making time," I said, keeping my tone neutral.
