Koda;
The moment I step into the hall, my steps stop, and the chatter fades.
There she is.
Standing in the middle of the crowd, hands folded neatly in front of her, posture straight as ever, and expression calm.
She may have stayed only a few days at Nagari, but it seems to have done wonders for her. She looks… clean.
I don't know if that's the word, but she just looks so… bright… healthy… clean.
She holds my gaze in a way she's never done before as she bows so deeply, I fear her back might break.
"Alpha Koda…" She greets, and I blink.
I incline my head to acknowledge her greeting, as just gawking at her would be awkward.
"Alana. You made it safely." I speak as she straightens and a small smile splits her face.
"Yes," she replies softly.
"By the goddess's grace. The journey back was uneventful."
Uneventful.
That alone should have reassured me. But instead, the faint weight in my chest settles deeper.
She steps forward, stopping at a proper distance.
