"Thank you," Nusayel managed at last, the words thick with emotion. His other hand came up to clasp Zephyr's shoulder briefly, the gesture conveying more than words could.
Zephyr inclined his head, his usual stoic expression softening just slightly at the edges. Without another word, he turned and disappeared into the shadowed hallway, leaving the baron alone with the unopened letter that seemed to weigh far more than its physical form.
The obsidian walls hummed faintly against the storm's fury outside as the baron finally broke the seal with trembling fingers, the sound of unfolding paper whisper-quiet in the empty hall.
The wax seal cracked with a soft snap. As the parchment unfolded, something small and metallic tumbled into the baron's palm - a simple silver ring.
"Hmm?"
