Chapter 36 · Chapter 36

The notary gathered his satchel, bowed his head once toward the center of the majlis, and stepped backward toward the heavy cedar doors. The room exhaled—a collective, muted rustle of stiff white thobes and the faint click of amber beads turning in loosened fingers as the elders acknowledged the close of the matter.

Beyond the arched threshold, the courtyard lay bathed in the pale, sharp sunlight of mid-morning. Through the open exterior archway, the estate gates stood wide, their tall wrought-iron frames drawn back against the sandstone walls. A black Lexus LX600 waited idling quietly on the gravel drive, its rear door held open by the driver.

The path to the boulevard was clear, untangled, and unobstructed. My passport, my personal documents, and the title deeds bore my name alone. I had signed the last registry. Nothing held me to this hall except my own will.

Turki did not shift his posture. He remained standing near the low mahogany table, his bisht draped over broad shoulders, the dark wool quiet against the white linen beneath.