George rose quietly, saying nothing, though his face was heavy with disappointment.
With that, the three of them turned and stormed toward the door.
Raellyn, ever the calm force amidst chaos, rose quickly and moved to the front hall. She opened the door for them and followed them out, making sure to offer one last gesture of civility despite the tension.
“I’m sorry things turned out like this,” she said softly, looking directly at Chyntia. “I truly am.”
There was no response. Just three backs walking away.
Once they were gone, the door clicked shut behind her with a soft finality. Raellyn turned to find Arnav still standing by the door, unmoving, his face unreadable.
Her heart ached watching him. There was no victory in what had just happened. No peace. No resolution. Just the linger
