[House of Karzath—Later—The Same Night]
The carriage halted before the carved obsidian steps of House Karzath.
Lady Arinaya descended first. The attendants bowed low, heads dipped in disciplined reverence. Captain Raevahn stood near the archway, armored but relaxed. When his gaze found her, it softened.
He offered a faint smile.
She looked at him—just once—and then passed without acknowledgment. No nod, no measured courtesy.
Nothing.
Raevahn frowned slightly as she disappeared inside and muttered under his breath, "Did I upset my lady?"
The doors closed behind her. Inside, the corridors of Karzath lay dim and cool, the air thick with incense that never quite masked the scent of old stone.
Lady Arinaya walked with steady steps toward her private chamber; she opened the door—THUD. It slammed shut behind her. Silence swallowed the room.
Then, a voice came, smooth and familiar, "How was your day… my dear sister?"
