The door opened slowly, revealing the imposing figure of Sirius Starweaver.
The tension in Klein's shoulders visibly loosened. It wasn't his brother. Anyone was better than Kassian at this moment, even someone as intimidating as the Starweaver patriarch.
"Lord Starweaver," Klein greeted, bowing his head with the respect that his noble training had instilled in him. "I wasn't expecting your visit."
Sirius observed him with an inscrutable expression. There was something in his gaze that Klein couldn't fully decipher, an intensity that was uncomfortable but not openly hostile.
"Klein Goldcrest," Sirius finally responded, his voice as cold as ever. "Come with me."
It wasn't a request, but a clear and direct order. Even so, despite his training to obey authority figures, Klein hesitated.
"To... where are we going, if I may ask?" He mustered his courage, fearing the answer but needing to know.
Sirius's expression didn't change, but something in his eyes hardened slightly.
