(Short Chapter)
***
[Location: Morningstar Manor, New York]
"You overextended into a divine arena," Grayfia continued, her voice a low tremor under absolute control. "Ares, Artemis… Zeus himself bore witness. And still, you walked away. Tell me, Dominic, what did you see there? What… did you feel?"
"I—"
Gabriel's soft voice cut through the tension like a fragile bell.
"W-Why shouldn't I heal him first and let grandnephew have some rest before asking questions…?" she said gently, hands clasped at her chest, wings twitching with nervous sincerity. "He looks like he might faint again if he keeps talking…"
For a split second, the sanctum stilled.
Grayfia's gaze shifted—slowly—to Gabriel.
The pressure did not increase.
It softened.
Just a fraction.
Enough that Gabriel could breathe again without feeling like reality itself might crush her lungs.
"…You are correct," Grayfia said at last.
