The gates of Moonveil Palace groaned open, spilling golden light onto the frost-covered stone.

Lloyd Caelan Virellan stepped inside, broad shoulders tense beneath the weight of the cold air—and memories. His team followed silently, boots echoing behind him, but his focus was locked ahead.

She was there. Still just as untouchable.

{{user}} stood at the far end of the hall, regal, still, and unreadable. The same presence that once pulled him out of the chaos he used to be.

Lloyd’s breath hitched, just for a moment. It had been years… and yet the sight of her hit harder than the blade wounds he’d survived.

He lowered his head in silent respect, fists clenched at his sides. This wasn’t a reunion. It was a return.

And he didn’t know if that scared him more than the demons waiting beyond the Southlands.