From across the hall, Elex watched his sister move like sunlight pretending to be steel.
Peduviel shimmered tonight - gold banners, open windows, laughter woven into music - but Aya did not lose herself in it. She drifted through the court with effortless grace, smiling when required, listening when spoken to, offering measured warmth without surrendering an inch of control.
Seth shadowed her steps, subtle but constant. His gaze swept the hall in quiet arcs, attention flicking from balcony to corridor to unfamiliar faces. He never stood too close - never insulted her strength by hovering - but he remained near enough that no one could forget his purpose.
And Bason. The great hound moved at her side with solemn loyalty, occasionally tolerating a brave noble's attempt at admiration before returning to heel. Children glanced at him with awe but kept their distance, sensing instinctively that this was not a creature to approach without permission.
