I returned to the palace as the sun began to set, painting the sky in soft hues of orange and violet.
The moment I stepped through the grand doors, the familiar warmth of home wrapped around me.
It was always like this...
When I stepped inside, it always felt like the air was different, even though it wasn't.
All of them were waiting in the main hall.
They must have sensed something was off the moment Seraphiel left earlier.
Vivian stood at the front, elegant as always, her long red hair cascading over her shoulders. Christina was right beside her, fidgeting nervously.
The others gathered around.
Mia and Maria holding hands, Zeva and Yara leaning against each other with crossed arms, Violet and Rose standing close, Alaine with her usual devoted posture, Chaerin watching me quietly, Lilith smirking but with soft eyes, Lumi bouncing lightly on her toes, and Ruli and Leaf looking up at me with bright curiosity.
I stopped in front of them and let out a small breath.
