By the time Kael stepped back into the manor, dusk had begun to settle.
The corridors were dim, the air still.
He spotted one of the maids near the front hall.
"Where's Selene?" he asked, voice calm but expectant.
The maid stiffened slightly—not from fear, but from caution.
Selene might still be a slave in name, but everyone in the household knew how the third young master treated her.
Disrespecting Selene in front of Kael was not a mistake anyone made twice.
She lowered her eyes.
"Madam Selene left earlier today, my lord.
She took young Riven and Lira with her.
Said it was a small trip. She plans to return in a week."
Kael nodded, the gesture brief.
He turned and walked on, his footsteps soft against the polished floor.
Yue's voice came, dry as ever.
"Let's hope a week away cools her anger."
Kael gave a faint smile.
"Hopefully. I swear—I won't pull another prank like that again."
Then coughed lightly.
Internally:
Probably something worse next time.
