They were gone within minutes.
The room felt different without them. It felt heavier.
Alaric stood beside Arin's bed, arms folded tightly, gaze sharp.
Katherine stood near the foot of the bed, biting her lip.
Aidan positioned himself silently by the door, watching every movement.
Finally, footsteps approached.
Aidan opened the door just a crack.
Kira stood there, breathless. Behind her was Daphne's master, Orin.
For once, his goofy smile was gone.
The moment he entered, Alaric straightened. "Master."
Master Orin looked around the room, sensing the atmosphere instantly. "Your Highness." He bowed slightly.
Then he faced Katherine, "Your Majesty."
She replied warmly.
He stopped a few paces from the bed, his eyes slowly taking in everything, the Emperor's unmoving form, the tension in the air and the worried faces.
His gaze settled on Alaric.
"What is wrong with him?" Orin asked.
