Valerie said at last.
Not loudly. Not trembling.
Just flat like a decision that had been made long before the words ever left her lips.
She walked past Demian without another glance. Her skirt rustled sharply, as though she feared that if she slowed down, something inside her would collapse. Her chamber door opened, then closed with a sound that was firm not slammed, but clearly intentional.
Click.
Locked.
Sera and Lira, standing not far away, froze. They exchanged awkward glances, then hurried closer.
"Lady Valerie…?" Sera knocked softly. "Are you—"
There was no answer.
Lira swallowed. They didn't knock a second time. Both stepped back carefully, leaving the door as if it might explode if touched for too long.
In the corridor, Ivanka crossed her arms and leaned casually against the wall."Is she angry?" she asked lightly, almost as if commenting on the weather.
Demian stared at Valerie's door for several seconds. His jaw tightened.
