Maria's POV
It had been more than a week since I sent the letters. Nine days, nine long restless nights as well. The silence from Triton pressed against me like a heavy weight. Every time a knock sounded on the doors of the packhouse, I prayed it was news of him, but nothing came.
Every morning, I rose with expectations. I lay awake each night, staring at the ceiling, wondering if he had read my words or tossed them aside.
On the tenth day, my patience turned into panic. I slipped out of the house, wrapped a cloak around my shoulders and walked to the messenger's post. His little hut smelt of ink, wax and paper. He looked up as I entered, his eyebrows lifting in faint surprise.
"Lady Maria," He said, wiping his ink-stained fingers on his tunic. "I wasn't expecting you."
"I sent a letter over a week ago, to Lycanthia, for Triton. Did it reach him?" My voice quivered despite my best effort to sound steady.
