Diala's question did not fade into silence.
It lingered in the chamber like a blade suspended in midair, drawing every eye toward Kiaria. The tension that had loosened when the concealment fell into place slowly coiled again.
"That's right," Princess Lainsa said, her voice thoughtful rather than suspicious. "Patron… how did you do that?"
Even Mu Long, who had already relaxed his grip on his axe, straightened slightly. Ru and Yi turned their gazes toward Kiaria. Chief Azriel folded his arms. Aizrel's eyes narrowed, not in doubt, but in anticipation.
Kiaria smiled faintly.
All of them were watching him now.
"The moment my toe touched the ground," Kiaria said calmly.
Princess Lainsa tilted her head. "Brief it."
"Alright."
Kiaria's smile faded into something quieter, more inward. He closed his eyes for a moment, as though replaying the exact sensation.
