Amelia de Beaufort POV
Amelia's day had been long.
She had just finished hours of talks with the delegation from the Southern Continent.
Negotiations always drained her, especially now that she held the crown of the Eastern Continent.
After Luminera conquered Earth, the world had been divided under the rule of demigods, many of whom had ascended to godhood since then.
By the time Amelia left the council chamber, her steps were heavy.
The corridors of the palace were quiet, lit only by the soft glow of mana crystals embedded in the walls.
She kept her composure as always, but inside her chest was a tight knot of exhaustion.
It was then that she noticed Layla.
The younger woman stood near the corner of the hall, trying and failing to look composed.
Her fingers tugged at the hem of her robe.
Her gaze flickered up and down the hall as if she were waiting for something.
Amelia's eyes lingered on her for a moment before she pushed open the door to her office.
