Back in the Aurora Empire,
After calming the chaotic stir among the people,
Helena walked silently back toward the Archpriestess' chamber. Her steps were steady, but her heart wasn't. Her eyes, once calm and wise, now flickered with confusion—no, they were drowning in it—tangled in a storm of loss, betrayal, and aching disbelief.
Snowflake, slithered gracefully beside Helena. Her silver scales shimmered faintly under the lights, but her eyes... those bright eyes sparkled with childlike curiosity, like a little creature stepping into a new world for the first time.
Helena glanced sideways at her and finally broke the silence, her voice low and tired, "You are his pet, right?"
