Nova had just taken a step toward them, but then she stopped. Her boots froze against the cracked stone, her eyes narrowing as she caught sight of her mother's face.
Merisa's expression… it was rare. Unbelievably rare. Nova had seen her mother through battles, negotiations, even executions, and never once had she shown this many emotions at once. Normally, she was the embodiment of cold, unshakable steel unbothered and unmovable. Yet now, her face carried hesitation, sorrow, and something that looked dangerously close to regret and uncomfortable.
Nova's gaze shifted to Razeal. His expression was completely differentbharsh, unyielding, almost venomous. He radiated rejection so strong it was almost tangible. His eyes weren't just defiant; they were repulsive, pushing Merisa away without a single word.
Nova hesitated. Maybe I should let her handle it.
