As soon as Mary finished their marriage, Nyx didn't waste a moment. Without waiting for anyone's reaction, she grabbed Aether's hand and took him straight to her home.
For the first night, of course.
That's what happens after a wedding, right?
A couple needs privacy.
Meanwhile, back inside the castle… in Lia's dimly lit room,
Mary and Lia were lying together on the large bed. The covers were pulled up to their waists as Mary hugged her daughter tightly—like she was clutching a porcelain doll, fragile and precious.
Her voice was low and trembling, barely a whisper as she hummed softly, trying to soothe the ache neither of them dared to name. Her hand gently stroked Lia's cheek in slow, repetitive motions, as though the action might calm the storm inside.
Her lips finally parted with hesitant worry.
"Are you… really alright, sweetheart?"
