Inside the shop, the air was thick with anticipation. Lyra, Cain, Fredrick, Hulk, and Shot waited patiently, eyes flicking toward the hidden passage as if expecting the walls themselves to speak.
Aria and Laisa emerged, stepping carefully from the concealed doorway, their movements quiet but filled with purpose. Aria's eyes swept across the room. "Where's Azreal? I don't see him anywhere."
Before anyone could answer, a crimson gate shimmered into existence, spilling brilliant scarlet light that bathed the room. The gate pulsated like a heartbeat, then split open, revealing Azreal stepping through first, his presence commanding, the air around him charged with authority.
Aria's lips curved into a smile, relief and excitement flooding her chest—but then another figure emerged. One step, then another, and the crowd collectively froze. Nena.
Aria gasped, her voice breaking with disbelief and joy. "Nena!"
