The interior of the castle closed around them as they moved deeper inside, stone corridors stretching ahead in clean lines softened by age and use. Their footsteps echoed quietly against polished floors, the sound measured and restrained, as if the walls themselves expected composure. Guards stood at intervals along the way, alert but unobtrusive, allowing Seraphina to lead without interruption.
This place carried weight. Nothing here felt ornamental. Everything served a purpose.
As they walked, Seraphina spoke again, her voice lower now, stripped of ceremony. "As I mentioned earlier," she said, eyes forward, "his condition worsened after you left." She paused briefly, the words chosen with care. "It was expected. We all knew the limits. Even so… I had hoped he might last longer than this."
Elyra glanced at her but didn't interrupt.
