Roman's grip on Tessy's wrist was firm, not forceful, but enough to make her follow him without question. The corridors twisted like a labyrinth, lined with towering portraits and heavy stone arches that seemed to close in around them the farther they went.
He didn't say a word at first, and neither did she.
Then, without warning, Roman paused. He reached out and pulled open a narrow closet door embedded in the stone wall. Inside, hanging like a sentinel, was a long black coat. It looked worn but thick, with heavy buttons that glinted in the dim light. He grabbed it without ceremony, then turned to Tessy, extending it toward her.
"Here, put this on," Roman said, his voice low but unyielding.
Tessy stopped in her tracks, her eyes narrowing. Suspicion flickered across her face as she stared at the coat he was offering like it was some strange object sent to trick her. "Why?" she asked, wariness lacing her voice.
