"Hold off on any system notifications until I'm done here, okay?" Mirabelle whispered to Pebbles before turning toward the staircase.
A moment later, footsteps echoed upward.
Her mother emerged first through the circular opening in the floor, carefully guiding her grandmother by the elbow. One hand remained behind the older woman's back, ready to catch her should she lose her balance.
It was the first time Mirabelle had ever seen her grandmother show any sign of weakness.
For just a fleeting moment the formidable Matriarch looked like nothing more than an elderly Beastwoman.
Her mother smiled warmly as she entered.
Even her grandmother's expression was surprisingly gentle.
The elderly Matriarch straightened her back once she was fully inside the room, took a deep breath of the cool air, and slowly looked around.
"It's strange... being back here after so many years."
Then she walked toward the map. The Duchess joined her at its side.
