(GRIFFIN)
The palace staff fall silent as I pass, eyes averted, postures stiff with formality. News of my return has spread quickly. No one asks about my mission, about whether I've secured Dr. Sorin's help. The answer is written clearly on the set of my shoulders, the grimness of my expression.
Erik meets me in the entrance hall, his face tight with controlled anger. "We need to talk."
I follow him without question, sensing this is about more than my failed recruitment of Maya. He leads me to my private study and waits for the door to close firmly behind us before speaking.
"I found the servant who was tasked with delivering the message about Maya's mother's death." His voice is clipped, precise. "A young woman named Lydia, assigned to the southern wing at the time."
"Bring her to me," I say, struggling to keep the growl from my voice.
"She's waiting."
