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Night had settled heavy over the mansion, the kind of silence that only came after a storm of emotions. The tension from earlier had burned itself out in tears, smoke, and half-ruined dinner, leaving behind a strange calm.
I was sprawled lazily on the couch in the common room, half-asleep, when the sound of soft footsteps stirred me awake. At first, I thought maybe Rin had gotten restless again, but no—it was Elira, her tall, graceful frame silhouetted against the faint glow of the kitchen lanterns.
"Still awake?" I asked groggily.
She flicked her hair over one shoulder, giving me that faintly regal side glance. "Mm. I'm… hungry."
I chuckled. "We did eat. Well… sort of."
Her lips curved, though not quite into a smile. "That was hardly a proper meal."
