"Yeah, I didn't," Rymora responded, her voice steady though her attempt to mask her expression in indifference failed miserably. Rising to her feet, she tried to compose herself, but the effort was far too transparent.
Aria, however, looked bright, her eyes almost glowing with a spark of excitement. "It's good though. You always seemed a bit lonely," she said warmly. She gestured toward the doors of the temple, signaling that they were leaving, and began turning to walk away—only to halt in surprise at the sight before her.
A crowd had already gathered at the entrance. Word of her arrival had clearly spread, for more people continued to stream in, filling the space.
