The corridors were quiet by the time Dax returned to the private wing, the palace settling into that deep, expensive stillness that only came after midnight. The last reports had been signed, the last calls ended, and the last decisions pushed to tomorrow. For once in the last month, there was nothing urgent pulling at him.
At the entrance to their suite, the white tiger lay stretched across the threshold like a living sentry, massive body curled just enough to fit, tail tucked close, head resting on its paws. It lifted its eyes when Dax approached, its violet gaze calm and alert, the low rumble in its chest more greeting than warning.
"Still on duty," Dax murmured, bending slightly.
