Lumina and Ashen emerged together, their presence silencing the murmurs that had filled the hall for hours.
Ashen guided her carefully to the high-backed seat beside the table, his palm firm at her elbow as she lowered herself with unhurried grace. The room reacted instantly. Spines straightened. Breaths were held. Every movement was observed.
Across the hall, Briella remained standing.
Her fingers twisted together so tightly the knuckles blanched, nails biting into skin as irritation simmered just beneath her carefully arranged composure.
Ashen's gaze swept the room once before returning to Lumina. "I have a council meeting to attend," he murmured close to her ear, his voice lowered for her alone. "Think you can manage this chaos without me?"
Her lips curved faintly beneath the blindfold. She inclined her head once, confidence radiating from the simple gesture.
