The hall was warm with the light of the fireflies that willingly came to brighten any house they saw movements in.
There, under their light, Kael sank elegantly into the long seat, his golden eyes half-lidded, his posture the very picture of lazy grace.
Lyra settled opposite him, her ears still twitching with leftover nerves, while Selene folded her wings carefully, sitting prim and proper, silver hair glinting under the light.
Alenia joined them with her usual composed gait, though her gaze lingered on Kael a moment longer than the others.
Kael's voice carried smoothly across the table. "So. How did it go?"
Alenia exhaled softly, folding her hands. "The villagers were frightened at first. But the moment they heard it was you…" she paused, her lips curving ever so slightly, "they relaxed. Completely. Almost too quickly, I would say."
Selene's silver eyes flicked toward Kael. "I checked the area. No beasts anywhere near. Your presence alone must have driven them off."
