A while later.
The hall of Kael's room was where everyone—at least the ones who were free—was gathered.
The hall was warm. Amber light spilled in through tall windows, touching the wooden floor and the smooth stone walls that curved like living roots.
The faint smell of tea lingered in the air—Evethra's doing, no doubt—and somewhere outside, children's laughter mingled with the deep, rumbling chuckles of a certain furry giant.
The furry giant, Druvarn, usually roamed around in his plush bear form, but sometimes, like right now, he gave children a ride on his huge back in his true form.
In the hall, Kael sat in his usual seat—a simple chair carved from pale timber, its back shaped like curling wings.
One elbow rested on the armrest, his chin lazily supported by his hand. Across from him sat Lyra and Selene.
Lyra was fidgeting—barefoot, bright-eyed, her staff leaning against her chair, her hair tied up in a loose tail that gleamed like moonlit silk.
