"What is the pathway?"
As soon as Varelia spoke those words, the room fell silent.
The air grew heavy, as if the walls themselves were listening. The soft crackle of the distant city faded into nothing.
The Sun Maiden rested her chin on her palm, her golden eyes unreadable.
She turned her head slightly toward the maid and said calmly,
"You should leave."
The maid immediately nodded and left the room.
Her footsteps retreated down the hallway, fading until there was nothing but silence.
With a soft thud, the wooden door closed shut.
Then the Sun Maiden turned her gaze back to Varelia.
"I will not ask how you came to know of this, but you should not speak some words carelessly."
Varelia was confused.
"Why?"
The Sun Maiden gestured toward the chairs on the other side of the room, indicating for Varelia to sit.
Varelia did not complain. She walked across the polished floor and sat down. The chair was stiff, its wooden frame cold against her back.
