The eastern wing of the royal chamber was quiet at that hour, the pale wash of dawn just beginning to stretch thin light across stone floors and carved wooden beams.
The air still held the coolness of night.
Edris walked down the corridor with deliberate calm, though he knew before he reached the door that the morning would not be peaceful.
They would smell it.
He pushed the door open without hesitation.
Kael was already awake, seated at the edge of his bed, forearms resting on his knees. Ronan stood near the window, staring out across the training grounds where early risers had begun sparring in silence.
Both of them turned at the same time.
The silence that followed was not confusion. It was assessment.
Kael's nostrils flared slightly.
Ronan's jaw tightened.
"Where were you?" Ronan asked, his tone even, though it lacked its usual warmth.
