Astoria’s POV
Coming back into the hall felt strange. Everything was louder, brighter, and busier than before, but somehow easier too. It took me a second to realise why — Xylia was nowhere in sight. I kept scanning the room, half-expecting her to appear again with another comment or fake smile, but she didn’t. It was like she had vanished.
Raiden noticed me looking around and leaned down slightly. “Relax. She left. She always leaves when she doesn’t get attention.”
I rolled my eyes at him, and he smirked like he found it amusing.
After that, things went smoother. People actually started approaching me. Not to insult me. Not to whisper behind my back. But to greet me — properly.
Some bowed a little. Some shook my hand. One woman even gave me a small box of chocolates “for the new Lun
