Anneliese's eyes followed the fading light that slanted across the table's surface as she settled beside Elowyn. She drew a careful breath, her composure deliberate, measured.
"Before we proceed," Elowyn said softly, her gaze resting on her, "tell me… about Cassia's summons." Her tone carried no accusation—only the quiet weight of expectation—aware that Cassia's name itself was an unspoken burden. "How did it unfold?"
Anneliese's fingers brushed the spine of the nearest book, the leather worn and warm beneath her touch. She did not hesitate, as if gathering the right order of memories from a web still fresh in her mind.
