The great hall felt alive again. Not all at once, and not loudly, but gradually, like a chest expanding after being held too tight for too long.
The mercenaries who had frozen at the sudden arrival of their leader slowly resumed their movements, though they remained subdued and respectful.
Armor shifted, bandages were retied, and someone chuckled softly at a joke whispered just out of earshot. The scent of blood and steel lingered in the air, but now it was undercut by something warmer—relief.
At the center of it all, the atmosphere transformed completely.
Mina found herself lifted off the ground before she could utter another word. Strong arms wrapped around her with an ease that felt as familiar as breathing.
She yelped softly in surprise but laughed as she was pulled close, her feet dangling above the stone floor.
"Hey....!" she protested, though there was no real resistance in her voice.
Her sister ignored her protest entirely.
