Seeing that everything was calm, that the newborn’s cries had turned into a soft murmur, and that Leriana was finally resting, Lissana and Eren retreated in silence. There were no unnecessary words, only shared looks of relief before they walked away down the dimly lit corridor.
The palace seemed different now, as if the newly arrived life had softened its shadows. The lamps burned with a gentler light, and the distant murmur of the night filtered through the open windows.
They walked slowly, without haste, shoulder to shoulder.
Eren was the first to break the silence.
“Do you still want us to leave tomorrow?” he asked in a low, careful voice, as if he didn’t want to disturb the calm that finally surrounded them.
Lissana didn’t respond immediately. Her steps slowed slightly.
“I don’t
