The team's transport touched down on the marble landing platform of Raiju Prime's palace with barely a whisper, its advanced dampening systems ensuring a silent arrival despite the ship's massive size.The palace's towering spires stretched toward the evening sky, their crystalline surfaces catching the last rays of Raiju Prime's twin suns, but even the majestic architecture couldn't lift the team's spirits.
"Home sweet home," Lucas muttered as they disembarked, his voice carrying no enthusiasm.
The palace staff moved efficiently to unload their gear, but Noah noticed the subdued atmosphere that seemed to permeate even the servants' movements. News of their empty-handed return had clearly preceded them.
Kaia was waiting in the main reception hall, her dark hair pulled back in a practical ponytail that did little to hide the stress lines around her eyes. The moment she saw their faces, her expression fell.
"Nothing?" she asked, though her tone suggested she already knew the answer.
