>>Aelin
A moment passed in complete stillness.
Then—like sunlight breaking through fog—they all smiled.
Dozens of golden-haired, blue-eyed people smiled at me. Some raised their hands in a gentle wave, others pressed them over their hearts in what felt like a greeting, reverent and kind. The silence that had held its breath now felt warm, expectant. Welcoming.
I stood there frozen, my hand half-raised in awkward uncertainty. Was I supposed to wave back? Bow? Say something?
I wasn't sure. My chest felt tight—not from fear anymore, but from sheer disbelief.
Then, behind me, a voice called out—deep and warm like sunlight through stone.
"Aelin."
I turned.
