The passage stretched on.
Columns slid past in slow rhythm, light rippling along their carved surfaces like heat haze over marble. Every step echoed softly, as if the place itself was listening.
Aiden walked at the center of the group, Fluffynugget perched on his shoulder, wings fluttering lazily.
He glanced left.
Then right.
His brow furrowed.
"…Nayla?" He called.
His voice carried farther than he expected, echoing down the corridor.
No answer.
He stopped walking.
"Nayla," He tried again, louder. "Hey. You're not funny. Where'd you go?"
The group slowed to a halt behind him.
Luna tilted her head. "Master… who?"
Aiden blinked, then looked back at them. "Huh?"
Venya leaned forward, hands clasped behind her back. "Who, My Lord?"
Nyxion raised a brow. "You just called someone's name."
Thristle crossed her arms. "And it definitely wasn't one of us."
Vegia frowned slightly. "Who is Nayla?"
Aiden opened his mouth.
Paused.
"…Ah."
Luna's ears twitched.
