The silence that followed the queen's words wasn't peace, exactly.
It was a hollow space. A room still echoing with thunder after the lightning had passed.
But it was quieter.
The tension no longer bit at the edges of Malvoria's jaw. The walls didn't feel like they were closing in.
The floor didn't hum with defensive spells. And Sarisa, though she still clutched Aliyah close to her chest, was breathing more evenly now.
Lara stepped back once, then twice. Her hand lingered on Sarisa's shoulder longer than necessary.
Then, almost reluctantly, she turned and murmured something under her breath.
It might've been "air," or "armor," or "gods, I need a drink," but Malvoria didn't ask. She only nodded when Lara passed her and slipped through the side door.
Gone for now. But not absent.
The space she left behind was awkward.
The queen said nothing more. Sarisa adjusted the blanket over Aliyah's horns, half out of habit, half out of instinct.
