The door to Eirene's chamber burst open with a loud bang. The sudden noise made her jump. She turned sharply from her dressing table, clutching her robe to her chest.
"Rowena?" she barked, startled. "What on earth—"
Her daughter was breathless. Her face was pale and flushed.
"The palace is on fire, Mother!" Rowena shouted.
Eirene frowned. "What nonsense are you talking about?"
"Not a real fire!" Rowena snapped, her voice shaking. "Aveloria! She's back!"
Eirene froze. For a second, she thought she had misheard. She turned fully toward her daughter, her expression blank.
"What did you just say?"
Rowena slammed the door shut and leaned against it. "You heard me! She's alive!"
Eirene blinked several times, her mind refusing to process it. "That's impossible."
