Cora stared as Leonardo cautiously approached the wardrobe. He raised his stick, nudging the door open with the care of someone who had learned to be ready for what might happen next.
The door creaked wider, and for a tense moment, nothing happened. Then, a muted clatter as a few more marbles rolled forward, stopping just at the edge.
Leonardo exhaled slowly, lowering the stick just a little. "It's just the marbles," he murmured, his tone carrying more uncertainty than relief.
He pushed the wardrobe door a little wider so Cora could see the inside for herself, and her brows furrowed.
"But how did they roll out?" she asked, her voice hushed. Then she wrinkled her nose. "Wait, do you smell that?"
