Chapter 287: The Wolf Pups
Sandoz stepped down from the carriage first, his small hand clutching tightly to his mother’s. Linnea followed, her spine straight as a blade, her expression carefully composed—a porcelain mask perfected over years of quiet survival. Behind them, Lara and Reya descended in tandem, the hem of Lara’s midnight-blue cloak sweeping across the polished marble of the entryway like ink spilling over parchment.
The manor’s great doors yawned open, revealing a long corridor aglow with lamplight and cold silence. A guard, stiff and wordless, gestured respectfully, and a servant led Linnea and Sandoz down the east wing toward their quarters. Their footsteps echoed softly against the cobblestones, disappearing into the hush.
"I’ll see you both at supper," Lara said calmly, though her thoughts were already elsewhere. She turned, her eyes sharp with subtle alertness, and started toward the west wing with Reya trailing a few paces behind.
When Lara reached her chambers, she paused at the door, expecting the soft thud of padded feet and joyful growls of greeting.
But there was only silence.
"They’re not here," Lara said quietly, scanning the corners.
Reya moved quickly, peeking under furniture and calling softly, "Snow? Little Grey?"
They searched the antechamber, the balcony, even behind the heavy velvet drapes. Still nothing.
Lara’s brow furrowed, unease coiling in her gut like a tightening rope.
"Go," she ordered. "Ask the servants. Someone must’ve seen them."
Reya nodded and hurried off, skirts rustling against the stone. The moments stretched into a cold silence. Lara remained still, hands clasped behind her back, but her jaw clenched with growing dread.