Thud!
The massive ice door creaked open with a chilling groan, revealing Victor stepping through.
Alfred, who had been standing outside patiently, immediately straightened and bowed his head in respect.
"Mortimer is resting after our long negotiation," Victor stated coldly, his tone sharp and unyielding as he strode past Alfred without even sparing him a glance. "You'd better not disturb him."
Alfred kept his gaze fixed on Victor's retreating back, his heart still pounding from the tension. 'Thank goodness he's alive. Who knows what would have happened if anything had gone wrong...' he thought, exhaling a long, quiet sigh of relief. He hesitated, glancing toward the open door before cautiously stepping inside.
Mortimer sat motionless on the grand ice throne, his eyes shut, his entire body leaning heavily against the frigid surface.