206
~Fridolf's POV
I stepped out of Belinda's chamber and closed the door softly behind me. The hall was quiet, but I kept a slow smile on my face. I liked the quiet. It let me hear what the house could not say out loud.
I stood there by the door for a long moment, hands behind my back, thinking. Then I said aloud, not because anyone needed to hear, but because words felt like heat and made things real.
"Everything is in place," I said to the empty stones, and the sound of my voice bounced back at me like a promise.
Adrik was at the door, as steady as ever. He did not bow or tremble. He only watched me, eyes clear, patient.
"You did well," I told him.
Adrik's mouth moved in a small motion that was almost like a nod. He kept his hands folded in front of him. "As you ordered, uncle."
