The study remained quiet after Arianne opened the door. Sunlight entered through the tall window overlooking the back garden, drifting slowly across the polished wooden floor. Dust moved through the beam of light in soft currents, the particles rising and falling whenever someone shifted their position inside the room.
For a moment no one spoke. The space had the same stillness as the rest of the house, but the study carried something else as well. The air smelled faintly of paper and leather, the scent of books that had remained undisturbed for years.
Arianne stepped inside first. Her movements were steady, as if she had already decided exactly what needed to be done.
Franz paused briefly near the doorway before following. He watched her cross the room. Her back was straight. Her shoulders were level. She looked like she was entering any office, any meeting room.
But her hand had hesitated at the door. He hadn't forgotten that.
