The doors to Murre's chamber shut behind them with a solemn thud.
Indra and Gabriella walked in stride through the golden corridors of Solmere, the soft echo of their footsteps rippling through the vast, cathedral-like hallways. The marble beneath their feet glowed faintly with divine energy, and towering stained-glass windows filtered warm celestial light across the floor in prismatic patterns.
For a moment, it was peaceful.
"Gabriella!"
The voice came sharp, cutting through the sanctity of the hall like a thrown pebble across still water.
Gabriella turned instinctively. "Huh?"
"Who's that?" Indra asked, blinking in confusion.
Bounding toward them came a flash of movement—a young girl with flowing black hair, golden amber eyes, and the kind of confident energy that dared anyone to tell her what to do. Her dark skin shimmered against the natural glow of the corridor, and her outfit—a sleek black wrap adorned with elegant gold bands—gave her the aura of royalty and rebellion all at once.
"Oh hey, Iris!" Gabriella greeted, smiling. "This is Ms. Taliyah's daughter. What's up?"
Iris crossed her arms as she skidded to a stop, lips curled in annoyance. "Have you seen my mom? One minute she's here and the next minute she runs off!"
"Yeah," Gabriella said calmly. "She went to the Partera Region to help out."
"She could've at least told me that!" Iris huffed.
"You could go see her," Gabriella offered.
"No, I'll just be in the way. The place got destroyed, right?"
"Yeah."
"Exactly. I can't help with that."
"Well…" Gabriella shrugged, "you could go see Joseph."
"No. Dad's not here either. He's probably out fighting someone else. He never stops."
Gabriella chuckled. "Oh, Iris—this is Indra. He's our new Velari."
Indra stepped forward, polite and composed. "Hey, it's nice to meet you."
But Iris didn't even spare him a glance.
"Ugh, I'm so bored! Hey Gabriella, what are you doing now?" she asked flatly.
She just completely ignored me, Indra thought, his brow twitching.
Gabriella laughed. "Well, I was going out to Kovaria with Indra."
"Who's Indra?" Iris asked, staring blankly.
"…She's joking, right?" Indra asked, glancing between them.
"This is Indra," Gabriella said again, trying not to laugh.
"Oh, you…" Iris turned to him now, scanning him head to toe. Her eyes narrowed with theatrical scrutiny. "Are you sure he's a Velari? He looks weak."
The hell is up with this girl? Indra thought, narrowing his eyes.
"Are you always this rude?" he asked aloud.
"Look, kid, you might be a Velari," Iris replied, folding her arms. "But I bet I'm stronger than you. And I'm not rude—just honest."
She jabbed a thumb toward Indra. "Gabriella, you have this kid watching over you? He's just gonna be in your way! You should bring me instead."
"Iris!" Gabriella snapped, tone sharp. "How would your mother feel about the way you're treating him?"
Iris flinched. "Umm… You're not gonna tell her, are you?"
"No," Gabriella sighed. "But you're not going with us acting like that. Plus, it's his mission—so you have to ask him."
Iris turned toward Indra with a dramatic exhale and a clearly fake smile.
"Okay, okay! I'm sorry. Ummm… what's your name again?"
"It doesn't matter—and no, you can't come!" Indra said without hesitation.
"Aww, come on, kid! I mean—**Mr. Velari Sir—**whatever your name is. Come on! I can help too!" Iris pleaded, her voice rising with mock sincerity.
"So you can treat the people of Kovaria like that?" Indra asked, folding his arms.
"Noooo! I'm the nicest person ever! They love me down there. Just ask Gabriella!"
Gabriella looked at Indra, expression somewhere between exasperated and amused. "If she promises to be respectful… can she come?"
"…Yeah, sure," Indra said, clearly reluctant.
"Alright! I'll show you how to be useful, Inka!" Iris declared with pride.
"Indra!" he corrected.
"That's what I said. Relax, Mindra."
"It's Indra!" he barked. "She's gotta be doing this on purpose!"
"Kovaria, here we come!" Iris cheered, throwing her arms up in dramatic victory. "Let's go, Sindra and Gabriella!"
"…Yeah, it's on purpose," Indra muttered, sighing into the air.
Gabriella burst into laughter, nearly doubling over. "Stop promoting this."
"I'm sorry, Indra," she said between giggles, wiping tears from her eyes.
Their laughter echoed down the corridor, bouncing playfully through the sacred halls like the world itself was briefly weightless.
Gabriella's smile faded as she looked ahead.
Her voice lowered, calm but edged with gravity.
"We should get moving," she said. "Someone's waiting for us—and it won't be as easy going as this."
Without another word, the three of them pressed on.
Gabriella walked in front, calm and ready. Indra followed close behind, quiet and focused. And Iris, still smirking, brought up the rear—arms folded, gold accessories gleaming under the heavenly light.