The corridor outside the chamber had already been secured.
Two Morgain soldiers stood at either side of the doorway, posture straight, expressions neutral. When Trafalgar stepped through with Aubrelle at his side. They simply shifted half a step aside, clearing the path without hesitation.
Word had spread.
Trafalgar walked without armor, without Maledicta at his side, dressed only in simple dark clothing provided by the healers. The absence of the black plate that had defined him hours ago did nothing to diminish the weight of his presence. If anything, it sharpened it. There was no barrier now between him and those who watched.
Just him.
His steps were steady. The heaviness in his muscles remained, but it no longer dictated his movement.
Beside him, Aubrelle moved with equal calm, one hand resting lightly in his. Pipin remained perched at her shoulder, pale wings folded, the faint thread of connection between them invisible but constant.
