The infirmary was hushed, filled with the faint scent of medicinal herbs and the faint rustle of robes from passing healers. Lisa stood stiffly in front of the glowing crystal, her head bowed, hands nervously twisting at the hem of her dress. The shimmering figures of Darian and Selene came into view, their faces tight with worry and unmistakable relief at finding her—but tempered by the weight of parental authority.
"Lisa." Darian's voice cut through the quiet, stern and commanding. His eyes, sharp as a blade, locked onto her trembling form. "What were you thinking? Leaving the house without a word? Running away and trying to sneak into the academy? Do you have any idea how reckless that was?"
Lisa flinched, her lips parting in a small gasp. She gripped her dress tighter, her small shoulders curling inward. "I… I just wanted to see Brother," she whispered, her voice breaking halfway.
