Seraphine stood motionless for a moment, her ocean-blue eyes wide, reflecting the flicker of the torchlight. Her lips parted as if to speak, but no words came at first. The weight of Isode's revelation hung between them, a tapestry of prophecy and divine purpose unfurled in the cool night air.
"An empress…" Seraphine finally murmured, her voice softer than before, tinged with awe. She tilted her head slightly, as if trying to see Isode anew. "You, a princess of Threshia, sworn to a prophecy… and now you claim a place beside Arkanos as his… holy empress?"
Isode's posture remained regal, her chin lifted just enough to betray a quiet pride. Her purple eyes gleamed with unshakable conviction, softened only by the faintest curve of a smile.
