"W—what?" Laura stammered, squirming. "It's not what you think!"
Mirelda's eyes narrowed into slits, studying her niece's flustered expression. "The last time I saw her like this was..." She trailed off, the thought unfinished.
"Mirelda, let her go," Castilla said evenly. "She'll be busy with the tournament and needs rest. I'll tell you about him."
Surprise flickered across Mirelda's face, and Laura seized the chance to slip free of her aunt's embrace.
"I'll see you later! Don't miss me too much—love you, byee!" Her voice echoed through the hall as she ran out.
Left behind, Mirelda sat across from Castilla, her wings giving a faint, restless tremor. "Tell me everything," she pressed.
Castilla's eyes opened fully, a subtle ripple of power passing through them. "I couldn't watch his every move or intervene—his threads of fate lie beyond our seekers."
Mirelda gave a curt nod.
