Aethryx POV
The heavy oak doors closed behind me, shutting out the quiet room where my princess stayed, and I strode down the long stone corridor.
My heavy boots hit the floor with a steady, echoing rhythm that bounced off the high walls.
On either side of the hallway, the iron torches flickered wildly, casting long, dancing shadows against the rough stone as I hurried past them.
Walking right beside me was my head guard.
He kept his pace perfectly even with mine, his steps careful and measured.
He kept his eyes locked straight ahead, his jaw tight, completely aware that speaking before I spoke would be a grave mistake.
He could feel the dangerous tension rolling off my body, the lingering heat of my frustration radiating through the narrow space.
"What was that noise?" I asked, my voice cutting through the damp air like a block of ice.
The head guard hesitated for a fraction of a second, his boots catching slightly on the stone floor before he found his rhythm again.
