Chapter 25: Breakthrough Again [2]
Morning came to Veldroth like a silent oath—solemn and unbroken.
The sun filtered through pale clouds, casting a gentle golden hue over the courtyard stones. The air was crisp, still clinging to the last touch of night.
Alaric stood at the center, robed in white and gold, his presence alone commanding silence. The girls gathered without being summoned twice, drawn not by duty, but something deeper.
They stood in formation—Aurevia slightly ahead of the others, her white hair bound neatly behind her, posture measured. Cellione and Serineth flanked her, quiet but attentive.
Alaric's voice broke the silence, calm but carrying.
"Aurevia. Step forward."
She obeyed with practiced grace, stopping before him. Her hands folded neatly in front of her, she bowed—not too low, just enough to reflect deference without groveling. Her bearing remained steady, proud yet devoted.
"Sit cross-legged."
Without question, she did as told, adjusting the folds of her robe as she settled on the stone. Alaric mirrored her posture before her, lowering himself slowly.
"Today,"
He said, looking at them all,