As Alfraed stood transfixed by the cityscape beyond the window, Lady Celestia drew Mikaela, Elise, and Fiona into quiet conversation at the far end of the chamber.
Lady Celestia's sharp eyes lingered on Mikaela's horns, her expression unreadable but her tone smooth as silk. "An unusual development," she remarked, her voice low and measured. "Succubus heritage, I presume?"
Mikaela's crimson eyes met hers without hesitation, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Indeed, Lady Celestia. A recent… awakening, you could say."
Elise's fox ears twitched, betraying her discomfort as her gaze darted between the two women. A knot formed in her chest while unwelcome images flashed through her mind—Mikaela's transformation would have required intimacy, and the thought of her and Alfraed together sent a sharp pang through her.
