Evaline:
The knock on the study door cut through the quiet like a pebble breaking the surface of still water.
All five of us turned toward the door at the same time.
River didn't even need to raise his voice.
"Come in."
The door opened just a crack, and Mallory's head peeked inside.
Her eyes moved quickly across the room - me, Rowan, Kieran, Oscar… and finally River. She took in the heavy atmosphere, the serious expressions, the lingering tension from the recording we had just listened to.
For a brief second, I thought she would retreat.
Mallory was bold, yes... but she was also perceptive. She knew when something serious was happening.
But instead of backing away… she focused directly on River. "Are you all too busy with something?"
I blinked.
Because that question…
Was directed at him.
