Lucien had just finished studying the tiny world when the four women emerged from the cavern behind the waterfall.
He turned toward them at once.
Then paused.
Something had changed.
Their auras were cleaner and more settled.
Their laws had not merely grown stronger. They had become more natural.
As if the four of them had stopped holding their elements and started being recognized by them.
The change made Lucien's curiosity rise sharply.
Lucien looked at the four women and smiled.
"Welcome back."
Marie looked at him.
Kaia did too.
Sylra's gaze softened.
Marina's grin widened first.
That was when Lucien noticed the glint in their eyes.
His instincts woke a breath too late.
The four of them moved at once.
Marie hugged him from the front with the solid certainty of earth.
Kaia pressed against one side with shameless warmth.
Sylra came from the other, quieter but no less firm.
