Morning had faded into almost afternoon by the time Edward and Aeris returned home. The streets of Ashenhold turned calm, the bustle of merchants and townsfolk softened to the usual rhythm of midday activity. Despite the seeming normalcy, they both felt the weight of their earlier encounter with Chief Auren pressing heavily upon their minds.
As they stepped inside the townhouse, Seraphine immediately appeared around the corner, her face pouting as she took in their late return.
"Where have you two been?" she asked, her tone half-scolding, half-curious.
Edward's expression darkened immediately, and the lightness in the room vanished.
"Seraphine," he said, voice low and serious, "we need to talk."
Her eyes widened slightly, the pout faltering, replaced by an attentive seriousness. She stepped fully into the room, closing the distance between them.
