They stepped through the gate and into warmth, light, and sound.
Emberfall's lounge felt nothing like the others. Bold paintings covered the walls in bright colors and wild shapes. Woven tapestries hung like frozen stories. Small sculptures sat on shelves, each one unique. Soft music drifted through the air from somewhere unseen, wrapping around everything.
The attendant near the entrance wore flowing robes that shifted colors with her movements. She looked more like an artist than staff.
She smiled when she saw Iori. "Lady Arakami. Welcome back."
"Thank you, Mira."
Leo barely heard them. His eyes was already pulled toward the windows, where colored light and motion spilled inside.
Something big was happening out there.
They stepped through the doors and into controlled chaos.
