The laughter of the reunited family echoed through the lab where Aurora usually worked her magic.
For a moment, the air felt light again as relief, warmth, and the strange comfort of familiar scolding all mixed to create a wonderful atmosphere.
Then Gideon cleared his throat. He adjusted his monocle and straightened his posture until the familiar academic sharpness returned to his face.
"Daughter," he began with a tone that was clipped and professional. "We're truly glad to have been freed and to see you in good health, but all we said about your attitude toward the art of alchemy remains entirely valid."
Aurora froze. Every muscle in her body locked. Her fingers twitched above the bubbling cauldron as memories of her father's old lectures rushed to life. Long nights of measuring, recalculating, and rebrewing under his scrutiny filled her head.
