Hector didn't know how much time had passed, but eventually, the doors at the far end of the hall swung open, and a figure stepped through.
He quickly looked over and stood up immediately as recognition crossed his features. He pressed a fist to his chest as he bowed his head. "Lady Herald."
The woman who entered moved with a grace that made the starlight itself seem to follow her. Her hair flowed white as fresh snow, cascading past her shoulders in soft waves. A cloth of pale silk covered her eyes, wrapped gently around her head, yet she navigated the hall without the slightest hesitation. Her presence carried a purity that filled the chamber like the first breath of winter air.
She inclined her head as she approached. "Warden Hector. Forgive me for making you wait. The threads of fate do not always weave themselves into convenient patterns."
"It is no trouble at all. I would have waited longer if needed."
