Hades
The door hissed open and they filed in—five of them, each holding a thick envelope. The scent of sterilized paper, ink, and mild fear clung to them. They kept their eyes down, respectful, cautious, and more than a little afraid of what I might do.
I gestured silently. They moved forward and laid the envelopes neatly on the table between Kael and me before stepping back toward the wall.
Kael's brows drew together. Confusion replaced the fire in his eyes.
I picked up the first envelope, cracked the seal, and slid the papers across the table toward him.
"Go ahead," I said, my voice quieter now. "Read them."
He hesitated—only for a moment—then dropped to his knees beside the table. His bound hands fumbled awkwardly with the sheets, flipping through them. His eyes scanned each line, faster at first, then slower… and slower still.
He grabbed the second envelope.
The third.
The fourth.
By the fifth, his hands were trembling.
All of them said the same thing.
