The mana in the air slowly stilled, fading like ripples after a storm. The field smelled faintly of scorched earth and cold iron, the only sound the distant hum of magic retreating back into its casters.
Selene stepped forward, her heels crunching softly against the broken ground.
Her emerald eyes found Eran, and for a moment it felt like the entire field had gone still again. She leaned in slightly, her expression unreadable, but beneath her calm, Eran saw it.
Guilt.
Warmth.
And something she couldn't put into words.
Eran met her gaze without flinching, his own eyes calm, unreadable, yet carrying a weight that only she could understand.
"I'm glad you're safe," Selene said quietly, her voice carrying the faintest tremor of relief.
Eran's lips curved into a faint smile.
And then...
Evelis stepped up next, his golden glow long gone, but his presence still commanding. His gaze swept over the field, then stopped on Eran as if trying to read something no one else could see.
