"Elyra!"
Elyra's lips curled into a grin, genuine and bright, as she strode forward.
"Seraphina!"
The two clasped hands, their laughter cutting through the hum of the academy courtyard. For a moment, the formality of noble blood and royal protocol vanished—just two friends, reunited after too long.
Seraphina's fiery hair shimmered under the sun as she stepped closer, her crimson cloak catching the breeze. "You look alive as ever," she teased. "I was starting to think the Estermont heir had vanished into her family's mountain fortress."
Elyra smirked. "Please. You know I don't sit still that long. I just got back from home."
Seraphina's gaze softened slightly. "How's your mother?"
"She's fine now," Elyra said with quiet pride. "Completely recovered."
"That's good," Seraphina replied, relief slipping through her tone. Then, with her usual regal playfulness, she nudged Elyra's shoulder. "Come on. We should talk somewhere better than in front of these walls."
