"Your Highness, you cannot walk in there," Cynthia's voice rang out.
Gabriel and Noah both tilted their heads toward her in unison. He glanced around, noticing that Karmen and Carlos were nowhere to be seen, likely distracted by the grandeur of the outer hall. Seizing the rare moment of privacy, Gabriel searched her eyes.
"Do you truly not know me?" he asked, his voice dropping to a low tone.
Cynthia looked at him for a long second before she slipped off her mask of the caretaker. "I do," she replied softly. "I am a mortal now. A punishment bestowed upon me by the heavens for my interference. But it is fine. Forgive me for acting as though I didn't recognize you. I didn't want to draw attention from your guards."
Noah began reaching out, his small hands grasping at the air as he leaned toward Cynthia, clearly sensing the familiar divinity she once carried. He whimpered softly, wanting to be held by her.
