Kaiden grinned. "You really think they'd do that from seeing me hug my mother? No, you don't. Stop running~"
He reached out to pull her back into the hug, only for her body to dissolve into a swirl of black smoke.
The shadows rippled near Naira and Lira's stretcher, and Vespera reformed there, back in her usual composed self. The transition from maternal awkwardness to regal poise was so smooth it looked entirely unnatural, as if turning into shadows allowed the woman to reset her heart.
Dark tendrils of shadow curled beneath her fingertips, lifting the unconscious woman with gentle precision. "What about the girl?" she asked.
Naira glanced toward Kaiden. He smiled and nodded. "Go. You can see my dungeon later if you want, but for now, I know you want to stay by her side."
The girl's eyes softened in gratitude. "Thank you…!" she murmured, bowing lightly to Vespera. "Please allow me to go as well!"
