The palace had changed little since his last visit. Tall pillars of living silverwood stretched toward the vaulted ceiling, their branches naturally weaving together into graceful arches.
Crystal lanterns suspended between them glowed softly despite the daylight pouring through the enormous windows.
Everything felt familiar. The polished white floors, the scent of flowering mana lilies drifting through the corridors, and the gentle melodies produced by enchanted wind chimes hanging beneath the balconies.
He had walked these halls countless times as a child. For a fleeting moment, memories resurfaced; running through these corridors with Solaris despite countless reprimands. Receiving sword lessons from veteran knights in the western courtyard.
Following his father into council meetings, far too young to understand anything being discussed.
Lilith glanced sideways.
"You've become quiet."
He smiled.
"I was remembering."
"Good memories?"
He nodded.
"Most of them."
