The hall felt too large without laughter.
Everyone was there—gathered around the long table beneath the dim chandelier—yet the space felt hollow, like the house itself had noticed what was missing and was holding its breath.
Kael sat at the head, elbows resting on the table, fingers steepled. He hadn't gone to sleep. Not even close.
The shadows beneath his eyes were sharp, his expression closed off in a way none of them were used to seeing.
There were no dry remarks, no lazy smiles—only a dragon sitting very still, as if movement might crack something already strained.
Evethra stood close behind him, one hand resting lightly on his shoulder. She said nothing, but her presence was constant and grounding. Watching. Ready.
Alenia sat to Kael's right, posture composed, eyes scanning every face with quiet calculation.
Lyra and Selene were side by side, letters clutched in trembling hands.
