Mabel closed the door softly behind her.
Due to the stillness of the room, the click sounded louder than it should have. It sealed them away from the music, the laughter, and the illusion of celebration that still filled the castle.
Inside the room, everything felt still.
Mabel guided Aire toward the bed without a word. Her hand was gentle around Aire's arm, steadying her. She already understood that something inside Aire had begun to fracture.
Aire let herself be led. She didn't resist, nor speak.
She sat when Mabel pressed lightly on her shoulders. The mattress dipped beneath her weight. Her gown pooled around her.
Mabel crouched slightly in front of her, with her hands resting loosely on her lap as she studied Aire's face.
Aire didn't meet her eyes.
Her gaze dropped to her own hands. They were slightly trembling. The trembles were barely noticeable unless you were looking for it.
Mabel noticed. Her gaze remained ever sharp.
