ALDRIC
I left the infirmary with measured steps. Not too fast. Not too slow. Just a man tired from a late night visit with his dying sister in law.
The hallway stretched ahead of me. Empty except for the sentinel who'd run for help earlier. He stood at attention now. Back straight. Eyes forward. Playing at being professional while the fear still clung to him like cheap cologne.
I nodded as I passed. He nodded back.
Then I saw her. Maren. Walking away from the infirmary. Her shoulders were hunched. Her steps quick but unsteady. Like she was running from something or heading toward someone.
Perfect.
I picked up my pace and closed the distance between us. My footsteps were quiet on the tile but she must have heard them because she glanced back.
Her eyes widened slightly when she saw me.
I moved to block her path. Positioned myself so she'd have to push past me or stop. She stopped.
