Noir melted back into Noel's shadow as he and Elyra stepped into the corridor. The faint hum of conversation from the dining hall grew louder with each step until the heavy double doors came into view again. Noel brushed a hand across his face, feeling the sting of a fresh bruise just beneath his eye. His sleeve was torn, and faint streaks of dirt clung to his jacket.
Elyra glanced sideways at him. "You look like you wrestled a bear."
"Close enough," Noel muttered, pushing the doors open.
The noise inside died instantly. Dozens of eyes turned toward them—their father's sharp gaze among them. Charlotte rose from her seat, worry clear in her golden eyes. "Noel—what happened to you?"
Elena and Selene followed, both equally tense. Selene's expression flickered with alarm before settling into that calm, icy mask she always used in serious moments.
Noel raised a hand slightly. "We were attacked. Inside the territory."
The words hung heavy in the air, shocking everyone into silence.
