"Welcome to Aiz," Lilian said to Jordan.
"The capital galaxy of the super cluster. My home."
A forced smile curved her lips, polite but brittle, as though the word "home" tasted bitter on her tongue.
She stood at the edge of the grand arrival platform, the galaxy sprawling before them in breathtaking splendor.
Towering spires of translucent crystal rose into an endless violet sky, their surfaces alive with shifting constellations of captured starlight.
Nebulae swirled overhead like living tapestries, casting soft, ethereal glows that danced across every surface.
"You have quite the sad look on your face for someone that calls it her home," Jordan observed quietly.
"Why don't you see it as your home anymore?"
Lilian's eyes widened in surprise.
She raised her guard instinctively, shoulders tensing beneath her flowing robes.
"Can you read my thoughts?" The question came sharp, laced with sudden wariness.
Everyone, including Nick stared at Jordan in silence.
