Evening draped the palace in hues of amber and fading rose, the kind of light that softened even the sharpest edges of stone and memory. Elira had arrived quietly, her presence a welcome steadiness after the day’s quiet undercurrents. She moved with gentle assurance, her hair catching the lantern glow as she offered a knowing smile. “Go on, you two,” she murmured, lifting Camille from Selene’s arms with practiced care. The baby settled against her without fuss, tiny fingers curling into the soft fabric of Elira’s dress. “A little time for yourselves won’t unravel the world. She and I will share stories of the old moon—quiet ones.”
Selene’s eyes softened with gratitude, her chestnut hair falling loose over one shoulder as she brushed a final kiss to Camille’s forehead. “Thank you,” she whi
