Nova's Departure, Mia's Moment
Every eye was on her.
Without speaking first, she rose with elegant poise, smoothing her robe over the folds, straightening the fabric with absent-minded fingers. Her composed demeanor had the room in gentle suspense.
"I must leave," she said, adjusting her collar with precise care. "I have to supervise the arrangements for my return to Blackthorn."
A silence dropped over the group. Even the soft creak of the wind through the shutters died away.
"Sister Nova… won't you come with us?" Rias asked, standing as a faint glimmer of emotion tinged her voice.
Nova's lips curved into a small, warm smile. "Sister Rias, I'd love nothing more. But as ruler of Blackthorn, my duties can't be delayed. A royal decree calls me home. Once the war ends… we'll all live together, properly. Right, Leon?"
