Lorien POV

When the guard straightened, his posture filled with either pride or confidence I couldn’t tell which it reassured me that I was still doing the right thing. They were counting on me, after all.

So I lifted my chin, steadying myself, and allowed Riven to lead me to Aelira.

Her workspace was a whirlwind of creation and chaos. Mannequins draped in half-finished gowns stood like silent sentinels, surrounded by cascades of fabric in every color imaginable. The air shimmered faintly ...