Kiaria entered the Pseudo Palace.
The moment he stepped inside, he felt it–every presence had withdrawn inward.
Everyone had returned to cultivate.
Everyone–except her.
Diala stood near the palace hall entrance, restless fingers clenched at her side. The instant Kiaria appeared, all restraint vanished. She walked toward him faster without hesitation, stopping only when she stood right before him.
"Did you finish?" she asked.
Her voice came out faster than she intended, concern surfacing before control.
"Yes," Kiaria replied calmly. "Everything is set. Just as planned."
For a brief moment, neither spoke.
Their gazes locked–not searching, not questioning–simply confirming that the other stood unharmed before them.
Diala was the first to look away.
"You shouldn't have waited for me," Kiaria said quietly. "What if something unexpected happened? Tomorrow requires clarity. If you exhaust yourself–"
