The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of Emerald Mansion's dining hall, spilling golden warmth across the long oak table. I sat in my usual spot—three seats down from Father's high-backed chair, though today he was already gone for council duties—staring at the mountain of food laid out before me. Fresh bread, steaming porridge, eggs cooked three different ways, grilled fish, even delicate slices of fruit arranged in the shape of a crescent moon.
It should have been peaceful. A quiet morning, just me and breakfast, a rare moment to breathe after the madness of the Diamond Dungeon.
Instead, my head felt heavy, crammed full of the noise from last night. Spirits arguing, Veyra drafting training regimens, Orryn sulking in chibi form, and Kaelin—sweet, determined Kaelin—swearing loyalty like a knight to her new mentor. Even in sleep, their voices clung to me.
