Lumberling, in turn, felt the weight of her gaze and met it without flinching. Curiosity stirred in him as he studied her calm, unreadable face. There was no hostility, no arrogance. Only… a quiet interest, like someone who had already seen him in another time, another place.
For a long moment, neither looked away.
The courtyard noise dimmed, leaving only the silence stretched between them.
Then, to everyone's surprise, Thalia smiled. It was faint, almost imperceptible behind her veil, but enough to soften her otherwise stoic face.
With graceful steps, she began walking toward Lumberling. The Knight at her side moved in tandem, his aura flaring like a drawn blade, a silent warning to all who dared approach.
"Greetings, Lord Lumberling," Thalia said at last. Her voice was soft, melodic, a sound that seemed to brush against the heart more than the ear.
