The councilmen carried out their inspection as they always did methodical, invasive, and cold. Rooms were checked, wards examined, servants questioned. Yet it quickly became clear that Nicole had become the true point of interest. Noah made Clarice hide in a room that was hidden until the councilmen leaves.
Their eyes lingered on her too long.
Their questions came too close and too personal
"Where were you born?"
"Who trained you?"
"Stand still."
They circled her slowly, voices low, probing invading her space under the guise of authority. Nicole kept her posture calm, though unease coiled tightly in her chest. Jasper remained near, silent but alert, watching every movement. He knew how Couilmen from Gorris would be, Serfs men loved the thrill of authority.
Winston stepped closer than the rest.
"Do as you're told,savage" he said, gesturing sharply.
Nicole stiffened. "I've answered enough. I won't answer anymore…"
That was when Winston grabbed her wrist.
