After convincing Hermione and Esther to remain at the Estate, Ulrich made his way back toward his room.
The conversation had exhausted him more than the journey from Hiddlestone.
Fighting was simple. There were opponents, risks, choices, and consequences. A sword either struck or missed. A spell either held or broke. Pain could be measured. Injury could be endured.
But speaking to Hermione and Esther had required something far more difficult.
Words and emotions.
The careful choice between saying too little and saying too much.
Ulrich was not good at either.
Yet somehow, despite the medicine clouding his thoughts and the pain still weighing through every part of his body, he had managed to say enough. He had reached them. He had stopped them from leaving.
That should have been a relief.
Instead, he only felt tired.
