Page 163 of Salt Between the Wolves
“Deeply.”
The ease of the exchange left Eira briefly uncertain whether she had interpreted it correctly. The woman finally turned toward her, and her expression softened immediately.
“You must be Eira.”
Eira inclined her head.
The woman neither curtsied nor bowed, nor did she appear remotely intimidated. Instead, she smiled with genuine warmth.
“Welcome to Silverwake.”
The greeting felt unexpectedly sincere. The woman glanced back toward Leander.
“I’ve prepared rooms.”
“Thank you.”
“You can thank me by not disappearing for another month.”
“I’ll consider it.”
“You won’t.”
“No.”
The woman nodded.
“At least you’re honest.”
With that, she motioned for Eira to follow.
The house revealed itself gradually as they climbed, through wide corridors, large windows overlooking the harbor, and books everywhere. These were not decorative collections arranged for appearance, but shelves that looked as though people actually used them. The scent of salt drifted through open windows, and somewhere below a bell rang from the harbor, its sound echoing across the cliffs.
Eventually they reached a quiet wing overlooking the sea. The woman opened a door.
“These rooms are yours for as long as you remain here.”
Eira stepped inside and stopped. The suite was larger than any guest chamber she had expected.
A sitting room overlooked the water through tall windows, a fireplace burned softly, books lined one wall, and a writing desk stood near the window.
Eira barely noticed any of it. She stopped without meaning to. The woman followed her gaze. A knowing smile touched her lips.
"It surprises most people the first time."
Eira realized she had stepped all the way to the window.
"I can see why."
The woman seemed pleased by the answer.
"Wait until morning."
Eira continued studying the city below.
"It gets better?"
"The city doesn't," the woman replied. "The view does."
