Horace pushed open the chamber door quietly, as he made his way in. The moment he stepped inside, his eyes found her—Ariel—lying peacefully on the bed, her soft breathing the only sign of calm in a world that refused to give her any.
Alicia sat beside her, eyes fixed on Ariel's face with the type of worry that didn't need words. At the sight of Horace, Alicia rose slowly before moving to stand behind him.
"Thank you, Alicia," Horace murmured, walking toward the bed and lowering himself into the chair right beside Ariel. His chest tightened at how small and fragile she looked in that moment, her hair spread across the pillow like liquid gold.
Alicia released a long breath. "Her body is adjusting," she said quietly, gaze still on Ariel. "She's too powerful, Horace. Her energy is pushing, resisting… fighting to break free. Her body is trying to unlock itself, and it's overwhelming her."
