Why now?

After breakfast, the Montrose family dispersed to their respective activities.

Clara darted off to her lessons with an excitable wave, Elara excused herself to attend to estate matters, and Lord Montrose retreated to his study, leaving the dining room quiet and empty. It was the perfect opportunity for me to act.

The key weighed heavily in my pocket, its faint hum of magic seeming to grow more pronounced the longer it stayed with me. I had to know what it unlocked and why I'd found it in such an odd place.

The presence of magic only added to my suspicion; mundane keys didn't pulse with arcane energy. This one was special, and special things often came with complications.

I slipped into the hall, my steps silent against the polished floor. The staff was busy with their usual routines, and I navigated through the estate with practiced ease, avoiding unnecessary attention.