THIRD POV
The corridor leading to Janet’s chambers always felt the same to Darren—like the air itself knew not to linger.
He didn’t slow down as he approached the doors. No hesitation, no announcement. He pushed straight in.
Janet was just there.
Seated.
As if she had simply placed the moment on hold until he arrived.
Darren stopped just inside the room.
“I have good news,” he said flatly.
That alone made Janet’s gaze lift.
Darren didn’t waste time easing into it. “The bearer of the mark is here. Exactly as you said she would be.”
A faint shift passed through Janet’s expression—not surprise, not excitement. More like confirmation of something already accounted for.
She leaned back slightly.
“So she arrived,” Janet said calmly.
Darren exhaled through his nose, irritated despite
