บท 170: The killing domain

At noon, Cassian and Lucy found Katherine in her room, as usual, enjoying some free time with a book. Cassian had no doubt it was one of her favorite smutty novels. She greeted him with a warm smile and said, "Don't be so formal," as he bowed deeply to her, while Lucy simply offered a polite nod.

Cassian returned her smile and asked, "How are you doing, my lady?"

Closing her book and placing it on the desk, Katherine smiled warmly. "I'm fine. How about you?" she asked, her eyes shined with some light, her expression seemingly untouched by any sign of discomfort.

"Better," Cassian replied, though his smile faltered as he noticed her movements were slightly stiff. Concern flashed across his face as he added, "But you don't seem fine." He stepped closer, resting a hand on her thigh. His worry deepened as he felt her muscles, tense and rigid. "You're not fine," he said firmly, his tone laced with concern.