Lucas stepped out of the icy chamber with the girls surrounding him, each one still stealing glances at him as if making sure he was truly awake and well. The palace corridors felt unusually warm after months trapped inside a frozen cocoon of his own cultivation. The frost still clung faintly to his robes, and every step he took melted tiny droplets onto the polished floors.
Selene walked just behind him, arms folded but her eyes soft. Lira stayed close to his side, almost brushing against him whenever she worried he might sway. Nyx kept a watchful gaze, silently evaluating the subtle shifts in his aura. The Ice Belle floated ahead proudly, as if leading a parade, demanding for food every few steps.
They escorted him out until the path forked. Lucas paused and faced them gently.
"Go get something to eat," he told the girls. "I'll meet you all later. I need to speak with the King first."
