The low, golden light drifting through the windows made the castle feel like an old memory a slow-drifting warmth that painted everything softer, even the shadows.
Thalor was on the floor with Kaelith, making wild animal noises and rolling her wooden dragon across the carpet.
Kaelith squealed, purple fire dancing harmlessly at her fingertips, her delight echoing off the stones. Malvoria appeared in the doorway, her presence calm but powerful, taking in the sight with a small, private smile.
Elysia lingered, watching her family father and daughter tangled in gentle chaos, Malvoria radiant and self-assured, the very heart of everything that had changed.
It would have been easy, comforting, to stay and join them. But something in her chest ached with a quieter need.
She slipped away, pressing a light kiss to Malvoria's arm in passing. "I'll be upstairs for a while. I just… need a bit of quiet."
Malvoria nodded, eyes searching hers. "Take all the time you need."
