After the door behind her shut, Sayori remained motionless for a while.
Even if it was just the anxiety constricting in her chest, the castle's interior air was still chillier than she recalled.
The tall ceilings, the flickering sconces projecting lengthy shadows, and the somber stone were all the same.
However, everything seemed unfamiliar.
No longer.
Not after Hollowmere.
Not in Fenris.
---
Thalen walked two steps in front of her and silently led her, but he constantly looked back as if she were about to fall.
Without warning, he stated, "The Alpha's orders were clear: you are to rest." Your responsibilities will gradually restart.
All she did was nod. It felt like breathing underwater while talking.
He paused in front of a wooden door with carvings and said, "Now you'll have your own room. No cages." There are no figures.
She recoiled. He made no apology.
The space was straightforward but spotless within, with warm light, a tiny fireplace, and soft linens. By the bed was a cup of water that had already been set out.
It seemed like a ruse.
However, Sayori was too exhausted to overcome her concerns.
She sat on the edge of the bed with her hands in her lap. Under the bandages, her healing wound throbbed softly.
She missed the peace of Hollowmere, the aroma of herbs, and the sound of Alder's voice.
However, she had decided.
---
Later, she made her way cautiously around the servant quarters, trying not to limp.
Well-known faces turned to look. Some taken aback. Some just observed. Some nodded, though cautiously, but not rudely.
Her name wasn't spoken by anyone.
She's the one, they said in a low voice. The person. The Alpha's... partner?
Sayori maintained her gaze down and moved with a soft elegance.
She knelt on the straw-covered floor of the hound kennels and allowed the dogs to sniff her hands.
They recalled her.
She wasn't as odd here.
She was only Sayori here.
---
She went back to her regular chores—sweeping, washing, caring for the outside gardens—and although she moved slowly, the rhythm was familiar. Her human hands, which were slower than magic, were nonetheless still able to function with a calm accuracy.
The other servants, including the dryad, the goblin boy, and the twin selkies, observed her. She could see compassion in some of their faces, but also interest.
She wasn't stopped by anyone. She wasn't charged. Not this time.
As she had always done, she listened. According to how Fenris had requested her.
Rumblings of discontent. grumbling among the nobility. There was a peculiar aroma in the cellar room. An unknown visitor asking too many questions close to the war room.
She put it all away.
She would also give the ancient stone door outside the east wing a single knock at night when the castle was silent.
Fenris would be waiting.