NORA
He doesn't scare me… anymore.
The hallway leading to Cardan’s chambers always felt colder than the rest of the fortress — too quiet, too polished, like the air itself feared him.
As I approached the guards at the door, Talon beside me, my fingers itched with nerves I’d never admit.
“He’s expecting you,” one of the guards said, opening the heavy oak doors.
I didn’t look at Talon. I didn’t need to.
I walked in like I belonged.
Because I would eventually.
The doors closed behind me with a low thud. And there he was, standing by the wide arched window, his back to me, arms folded behind him.
The fire crackled, casting long shadows across the stone walls. His presence filled the room like smoke. I didn’t say anything. Not yet. I needed to let him feel me enter. Let the silence str
