"Since the stone door has already been opened," Zora then said lightly, her voice gentle and unhurried, "there's no reason to stop anyone now. Everyone may enter."
Her expression was serene, as though the tension and confrontation from moments earlier had never existed.
Prince Kael cast a deep, unreadable glance at Zephrin. The corner of his lips lifted, forming a smile that looked lazy and charming on the surface, yet carried an unsettling sharpness beneath. That smile alone was enough to make one's heart tighten unconsciously.
Just as everyone wondered whether Prince Kael would say something more, he simply turned away. Without a word, he reached out, took Zora's hand, and led her straight into the stone gate.
Zephrin released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. For now, at least, a direct clash had been avoided. As for what would happen later… that was a problem for the future.
Guinvere watched Prince Kael disappear into the main hall with Zora.
