Chapter 16: Varell’s Rage
Alaric stepped into another hallway, his footsteps echoing faintly off the stone walls.
Ahead, a middle-aged woman stood near a cupboard stacked with linens, folding sheets with practiced ease. Her auburn hair was tied into a tight bun, and the stiff maid uniform hugged her tall, stern frame.
Hearing his uneven footsteps, the woman turned her head. Her sharp hazel eyes widened slightly upon seeing his bruised face and blood-smeared shirt.
"Didn't even last a day without causing trouble, did you?" she said dryly, voice laced with mockery.
Alaric exhaled through his nose, ignoring the jab. "Lady Selene said... you will take me to my new quarters."
She narrowed her eyes.
"New quarters?" she repeated.
Alaric gave a quiet nod.
Lena clicked her tongue. "Tch. Alright, come with me then."
He followed her through the dimly lit corridors, past cracked stone arches and creaking floorboards. The torches lining the walls flickered as they walked, casting long, shifting shadows.
Eventually, they reached the servant quarters—a hallway even darker and older than the rest. The air here was mustier, colder.