The boots returned after an hour or more.
The rhythm was the same. Precise. Impeccable.
But now… it no longer carried perfume.
It only brought silence.
The door opened without ceremony.
She entered with a guard behind her, tall, nameless, faceless.
He was carrying a metal box.
There was no need to ask what was inside.
“It wasn't easy convincing the king of this,” Irina said without looking at me. “He wants you in one piece for the mine. But I explained to him that sometimes, to keep a wolf whole… you have to burn its paws.”
I remained silent.
Not out of pride, but because I wasn't going to give him the pleasure of a noise before it was due.
The guard placed the box next to me. He opened it.
Inside: tongs, hooks, a short iron, and a glass syringe with dark liquid.
Liquid silver
