My hand was trembling as I reached for the lock. On the other side of the door was a maelstrom of flashing lights and shouted accusations. On this side, there was only his voice, a low, steady anchor in the chaos. I turned the deadbolt, the click sounding unnaturally loud, and pulled the heavy door inward.
Arthur stepped inside, bringing with him a gust of cold air and the scent of the city. He moved with an unhurried grace that defied the frenzy he had just walked through. The door swung shut behind him, and the wall of sound was instantly cut off, replaced by the humming silence of the workshop. The contrast was so abrupt it made my ears ring.
He stood there for a moment, his gaze taking in my pale face, the dark circles under my eyes that no amount of concealer could hide. He didn't o
