"Tell Lord Reaper I'll be there," she said flatly. No warmth. No questions about whether he'd slept. He didn't deserve her concern.
When the door closed, Brynn moved to her dresser. The mirror showed her exactly what she expected: red-rimmed eyes, pale skin, evidence of a sleepless night written clearly on her face.
That wouldn't do.
If he wanted to pretend last night hadn't happened, fine. She could play that game better than he could. She'd been performing since she was twenty years old, fleeing into the night with nothing but the clothes on her back.
She splashed cold water on her face, working to erase the signs. Chose her clothing with care: a deep blue dress formal enough for diplomacy but practical enough for trouble. Secured her tools—lockpicks in hidden pockets, ward-sensing instruments strapped against her thigh where the long skirts would conceal them.
Her reflection looked composed. Professional. Like a woman who felt nothing at all.
Exactly what she needed.
A softer knock interrupted her preparations. "Brynn? May I come in?"
"Enter."
Naia slipped through the door, translucent form carrying a breakfast tray far too elaborate for the early hour. "Lord Reaper requested I bring you something to eat before your departure." She set it down with a meaningful look. "He was quite insistent about making sure you were properly prepared."
He'd sent breakfast.
A week ago, that might have meant something. Now it just felt like an obligation.
"How thoughtful," Brynn said, and let the sarcasm show.
Naia's eyes flickered with surprise at her tone. "Brynn?—"
"I'm fine." The words came out sharp. She softened slightly. Naia wasn't the one she was angry at. "Sorry. Didn't sleep."
"I can see that." Naia studied her face, playfulness fading into concern. "I heard about your parents. I'm so sorry."
The sympathy almost cracked her armor. Brynn blinked hard, forcing everything back down.
"It was a long time ago," she managed.
"That doesn't make it easier." Naia moved closer, translucent hand hovering near Brynn's shoulder without quite touching. "For what it's worth, Lord Reaper looked wrecked this morning. Whatever happened between you, I don't think he's sleeping any better."
Her chest wanted to twist. Wanted to soften. Wanted to ask if he was alright.
She didn't let it.
"That's his problem," she said coolly. "We have work to do."
Naia's eyebrows rose slightly, but she didn't push. "At least eat something first. You'll be no good to anyone if you collapse."
Brynn forced down a few bites to appease her. Everything tasted like ash.
A harder knock came before she'd finished. "Lady Brynn? Lord Reaper is ready to depart. Your immediate presence is required."
Required. Not requested.
Irritation prickled through her. After everything, he still thought he could summon her like a servant.
She grabbed her travel cloak and headed for the door.
The corridors felt different today. Servants moved too quickly, glancing at shadows. The stones beneath her feet hummed with unsteady energy.
Something was wrong with the realm.
