Her gaze remained initially lowered with gentle and practised movements that she had trained for months.
But sensing a subtle difference in the room's atmosphere, she lifted her head instinctively, immediately freezing in place as her eyes widened dramatically, heart thundering wildly within her chest.
The basin slipped unnoticed from her trembling fingers, landing upon the polished floor with a sharp, echoing clang.
Tears instantly filled her wide eyes, streaming quietly down her flushed cheeks, breath catching softly in her throat.
Standing tall and very much alive in front of her was Orion, transformed and matured, yet unmistakably himself. His warm smile, gentle eyes, and comforting presence filled her entire body with overwhelming happiness, disbelief, and relief.
"Y-Young Master…?" Rina whispered shakily, voice choked and fragile from powerful emotions flooding through her. Her entire body trembled softly, yet joy radiated beautifully from her tear-filled gaze.
