Cassius's fingers trembled as he summoned the healer's enchanted mirror. Its surface shimmered with liquid silver, reflecting not just the courtyard, but the image of Candice training under Helios's watchful eyes. His heart pounded violently in his chest, each beat fueling a storm of rage and jealousy that had been simmering for too long.
Candice's golden light flowed like liquid between her fingers, and Helios's hands hovered near hers, correcting her stance, guiding her movements. Cassius felt his blood burn. How dare Helios touch her hands! How dare he teach her, stand so close to her, breathe the same air as his wife!
He didn't wait to process it. The healer appeared beside him, calm and steady. "Are you sure you want to do this?" she asked.
"Yes," Cassius growled. "I need answers. I need to see her."
Together, they stepped through the portal. The world twisted and folded, then collapsed into the sunlit courtyard. Candice and Helios were unaware of their arrival.
