It didn't take long before Aria finally arrived at the grand hall. The scent of baked bread and roasted meat lingered in the air, warm and inviting, while the faint clinking of silverware echoed across the vast space as servants moved gracefully about, attending to the gathered guests.
Aria stepped in, her heels clicking lightly against the polished floor, and was relieved to see that Zyren had somehow not arrived yet, even though it was clear that other people had. The werewolf delegation had already taken their places—all except their king.
Clara smiled the moment she saw Aria enter and immediately moved closer to her, her golden curls bouncing lightly with each step as sunlight caught in their sheen.
"You look well!" Clara said with a soft smile, her voice warm but cautious, even as Aria responded in the same manner, aware of all the eyes that watched them from nearby tables—people who were bound to be paying attention to whatever conversation the two women might have.
