I leaned against the wall near the window, my legs finally giving out. I slid down to sit, the halberd clattering against the floorboards.
Every muscle screamed.
The constant, low-grade thrum of instability that had been vibrating in my chest since the dungeon was finally dampened by the manor's magic. It was like stepping out of a hurricane into a quiet room. The relief was so profound it was dizzying.
The girls were scattered around the room, each dealing with the day's fallout in their own way.
Celeste was meticulously cleaning her armor, her movements sharp and precise, a familiar ritual to reclaim control.
Valka stood by the window, her arms crossed, her gaze fixed on the dark woods outside. She wasn't on guard anymore; she was just watching, processing.
Reika had claimed the largest couch, a blanket pulled up to her chin, already half-asleep but refusing to leave my side.
Astra was the one I kept watching.
