Igaris stepped into the meeting room, Evernight walking behind him with graceful silence, her presence calm and steady like a loyal queen.
He had already confirmed their identities using the Architect's Eyes.
But seeing them in person still sent a wave of emotion through him.
When his gaze met the eyes of the man standing by the far wall, a flicker of guilt passed through Igaris's usually unreadable expression.
"Brother!"
A soft voice broke the silence.
The little girl leapt off the sofa and rushed toward him, only to stop a few steps away. Her wide eyes studied him, hesitation written across her face.
This was Isadora—the one who had always clung to him with warmth and childish wonder in his first Dive.
But now, she seemed unsure.
"You look so different," she said, her voice trembling. "Are you really not my brother Igor? Was my Father telling the truth?"
