36

Aristellus took a deep breath, steadying himself as he stood outside the lavish doors of the Earl's study. The muffled noise from the bustling streets of Garnet barely reached him here, in this quiet, opulent corridor where every small sound seemed amplified. He felt a swell of unease, a relentless push-and-pull of fear, determination, and desperation. His mind raced with counterarguments, strategies to get past the Earl's inevitable resistance, but the uncertainty gnawed at him.

Gaia, sensing his hesitation, flicked her fluffy tail across his eyes and tapped his forehead with her tiny paws, drawing him out of his thoughts. Their eyes met, her unwavering gaze grounding him. Aristellus nodded, a silent exchange passing between them before he raised his fist and knocked on the door.